The construction of HMS Sheffield, an advanced anti-submarine
warfare ship for the Royal Navy, officially began today with a
traditional steel-cutting ceremony in Glasgow.
Nearly 2,000 jobs and apprenticeships will be supported through
the production of Type 26 frigates, providing valuable employment
opportunities for skilled workers and apprentices in Scotland.
Around 4,000 jobs will be supported throughout the UK supply
chain, in a boost to the economy.
HMS Sheffield is the fifth of eight Type 26 frigates being built
in Scotland, marking another significant step forward in the City
Class frigate programme, designed for a service life of at least
25 years, serving into the 2060s.
Representatives from BAE Systems, Defence Equipment and Support
(DE&S), the Royal Navy, and government joined employees
for the event, as an apprentice official cut steel on HMS
Sheffield.
Attending the ceremony, Minister for Defence Procurement
and Industry, MP, said:
"This steel cutting ceremony marks another key moment for
both our Royal Navy and British shipbuilding.
“HMS Sheffield represents not just a cutting-edge addition to our
fleet, but also demonstrates our commitment to supporting
thousands of skilled jobs and economic growth across Scotland and
the wider UK.
“This investment in our naval capability ensures we can continue
to protect our nation's interests while supporting British
industry."
The Type 26 frigates will replace the current Type 23 fleet and
will be among the world's most advanced warships, supporting our
national security. Their primary role will be to protect the
Royal Navy's Continuous At Sea Deterrent and Carrier Strike
Group.
These versatile ships will also support international operations,
including counter-piracy missions and humanitarian relief work.
This will support the UK in creating a stronger defence and
ensuring our Armed Forces are better equipped to tackle the
threats of the future.
Sir , Managing Director, BAE
Systems, Naval Ships said:
"This is a proud moment for our talented teams across the UK who
play their part in the design and construction of these important
vessels.”
"HMS Sheffield's construction will benefit from a range of
investments, which are transforming our digital and physical
infrastructure and will consolidate a centre of excellence for UK
shipbuilding in Glasgow.”
"I'd like to thank our customers and suppliers for their support
and commitment as we take this programme forward together and
deliver the next generation frigates for the Royal Navy."
HMS Sheffield is a name steeped in Royal Navy history,
with the name previously on several ships, including on a Town
class cruiser which saw extensive action during the Second World
War, and a Type 42 destroyer which was deployed during the
Falklands War.
Construction of all of the City Class Type 26 frigates is
expected to be completed by the mid-2030s, with HMS Glasgow, the
first in class, entering service by the end of 2028.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
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DE&S Director General Core, Simon Dakin,
said: “These frigates will have an essential role
in ensuring the continued security of our nation and this is a
proud moment for all involved. We are delighted to have
celebrated this shipbuilding event on the Clyde in the company
of all those playing a part in delivering this important
programme.”
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Commodore Roberts, the Type 26 programme Senior
Responsible Owner (SRO), said: “Seeing the next T26
start the construction journey is a tangible representation of
the success of the programme thanks to the hard work put in by
the DE&S, BAE Systems and Royal Navy teams. These advanced
anti-submarine warfare ships will provide the Royal Navy with a
world-class cutting-edge capability to protect our Nation's
interests well into the future.”
