Type 31 frigate
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| Type 31 frigate | |
|---|---|
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| Name | Type 31 frigate |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Builder | Babcock International |
| Operator | Royal Navy |
| Ordered | 2019 |
| Laid down | 2021– |
| Launched | 2021– |
| Commissioned | 2027– (planned) |
| Status | In construction |
Type 31 frigate is a class of general-purpose frigates procured for the Royal Navy as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy and the UK's Integrated Review. The programme seeks to replace older Type 23 frigate vessels with a fleet supporting carrier strike, maritime security, and expeditionary warfare tasks while enabling wider defence industrial base sustainment. Announced by the Ministry of Defence in 2019, the programme is intended to deliver five hulls under the banner of a more affordable, exportable design linked to the Future Surface Combatant discourse.
Development and procurement
The Type 31 procurement followed strategic decisions made in the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 and later the Integrated Review 2021 that influenced acquisitions across the Armed Forces. Competitive bids included consortia led by Babcock International, BAE Systems, BAE Systems Surface Ships, and Cammell Laird, with involvement from Thales Group, Rolls-Royce Holdings, Raytheon Technologies, and MBDA. In 2019 the Royal Navy selected a design based on the Arrowhead 140 concept developed by Babcock International in collaboration with Naval Group and BAE Systems. Contract awards were framed by UK industrial policy, referencing the Industrial Strategy and linked funding by the Defence Equipment and Support organisation. Parliamentary scrutiny occurred through the House of Commons Defence Committee and debates in Parliament.
Design and specifications
The hull form and mission bay trace lineage to international designs influenced by the Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate, Horizon-class frigate, and concepts explored in the Dutch De Zeven Provinciën-class discussions. Designers emphasised commonality with exportable platforms, modularity, and ease of maintenance to support deployments with the Atlantic Patrol Task (North) and Standing NATO Maritime Group commitments. Propulsion arrangements draw on technologies from Rolls-Royce and WinGD partnerships similar to systems used in Type 26 frigate development. The platform's displacement, range, and endurance are tailored to meet UK Carrier Strike Group escort profiles and Task Group sustainment, with systems integration reflecting lessons from HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) carrier operations and HMS Albion (L14) amphibious deployments.
Armament and sensors
Planned weapons suites include a medium-calibre main gun compatible with BAE Systems 5-inch Mk 45 family doctrine, vertical launch options reflecting Sea Ceptor and PAAMS compatibility debates, and surface-to-surface missiles akin to Harpoon replacement discussions involving Naval Strike Missile and Land Attack Missile studies. Anti-air capability references contract relationships with MBDA and Thales Group sensor suites similar to those used on HMS Daring (D32) and Type 45 destroyer programmes. Sensors and electronic systems cite examples from Artisan 3D radar deployments, electronic warfare concepts from BAE Systems Maritime Services, and sonar architectures inspired by Sonar 2087 and CAPTAS family evolutions. Integration of unmanned systems aligns with Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier unmanned air vehicle trials and NATO interoperability standards.
Construction and shipbuilding
Construction is primarily assigned to Babcock International’s shipyards with subcontracting to Cammell Laird and regional suppliers across Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland to satisfy industrial commitments. Workshare arrangements involve industrial partners such as TOA Corporation, Fincantieri, and specialist suppliers including Ultra Electronics and GE Aviation. The programme has been tied to regional economic policies and featured in statements by the Secretary of State for Defence and briefings to the House of Commons Treasury Committee. Keel-laying and launch events have drawn attendance from figures associated with MOD procurement and naval heritage institutions including the National Maritime Museum.
Operational history and deployment
While initial hulls are in build, projected deployments include integration into carrier strike operations alongside HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08), contributions to Standing NATO Maritime Group taskings, and roles in counter-piracy and maritime security operations in regions such as the Gulf of Aden, South Atlantic, and Indo-Pacific. Planned training and acceptance activities involve Flag Officer Sea Training and trials at Portsmouth Naval Base and Rosyth Dockyard. The class is expected to participate in multinational exercises including Exercise Joint Warrior, Exercise Ocean Shield-type scenarios, and interoperability trials with navies such as the United States Navy, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, Indian Navy, and Royal Netherlands Navy.
Variants and export offers
The Type 31-derived concept has been offered for export to partners seeking affordable frigate solutions, with promotional efforts targeting navies in regions including Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Export proposals reference potential customization with systems from Raytheon, Leonardo S.p.A., Saab Group, and Kongsberg Gruppen to meet customer requirements seen in procurement programmes for the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy. Offers have been framed by the UK Export Finance arrangements and defense cooperation frameworks such as the Five Eyes partnership and bilateral agreements with countries participating in Global Britain initiatives.