Thousands of Scottish shipbuilders are delivering innovative
warships that will protect Britain's vital interests for decades
to come, as HMS Glasgow was officially named in a ceremony at BAE
Systems' Glasgow shipyards yesterday (Thurs 22 May).
HMS Glasgow is the first of eight Type 26 frigates, representing
a £7.9 billion investment in British shipbuilding, directly
supporting 1,700 skilled jobs in Glasgow and a further 2,300
roles across the UK maritime supply chain until 2035.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry said:
The Type 26 programme demonstrates how Scotland's world-class
shipbuilding expertise contributes to both our national security
and economic prosperity, delivering on the government's Plan for
Change. With thousands of high-skilled jobs supported in Glasgow
and beyond, this programme showcases Scotland's vital role in UK
defence manufacturing.
HMS Glasgow will provide critical protection for the UK's
continuous at-sea deterrent and Carrier Strike Group with
unparalleled anti-submarine warfare capabilities, ensuring
maritime security well into the 2060s.
The Type 26 programme has transformed into a 29-ship global
endeavour after Australia and Canada selected the design for
their future frigates, creating significant export opportunities
for the UK supply chain.
Defence spending in Scotland currently totals £2.1 billion
annually, supporting over 11,000 industry jobs and employing more
than 14,000 military and civilian personnel across strategic
sites including HMNB Clyde, RAF Lossiemouth and the Clyde
shipbuilding centre.
Scottish Secretary said:
It was an honour to represent the UK Government at the naming of
the first of the Royal Navy's new Type 26 frigates, HMS Glasgow.
Scotland is the beating heart of military shipbuilding, with
eight Type 26 ships being built by BAE Systems in Glasgow and
five Type 31 frigates by Babcock International in Rosyth.
Economic growth and national security are UK Government
priorities and our multi-billion pound investment in Scotland's
best in world shipbuilding and wider defence sectors will play a
crucial role in delivering our Plan for Change by supporting
thousands of skilled jobs and investing in our communities for
years to come. The skills, expertise and innovation in Scottish
shipyards is clear to see and our new Brand Scotland campaign
will build on that success and help the sector export its
world-class technology internationally.
The eight City class frigates will form the backbone of the Royal
Navy's surface fleet once construction is completed by the
mid-2030s, replacing the aging Type 23 ASW frigates with vessels
equipped with sophisticated weapons systems, advanced sensors and
state-of-the-art communications technology.
As part of the Government's Plan for Change, the defence industry
will continue to drive innovation and job creation across
Scotland, supporting a broad range of economic benefits including
apprenticeships, skills development and regional prosperity.
All eight Type 26 frigates will be based at HMNB Devonport in
Plymouth following completion, with HMS Glasgow expected to be
operational by 2028.
