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BAE Systems has officially cut steel for the UK’s newest warship, HMS Sheffield, the fifth of the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 frigates at BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard in Glasgow, Scotland.
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This marks the official start of construction on the fifth of eight City Class vessels and is a significant milestone for the program and British shipbuilding, with the ceremonial act carried out by 27-year-old apprentice fabricator burner Michael Miller.
The UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle attended the ceremony alongside a range of senior dignitaries from the UK government, armed forces and industrial partners and congratulated BAE and its supply chain partners on this milestone.
Minister Eagle 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.”
All eight Type 26 frigates will be built on the Clyde, with the work sustaining nearly 2,000 jobs in Scotland and 4,000 jobs across the wider UK maritime supply chain for decades to come.
Simon Lister, managing director of BAE Systems’ naval ships business, 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.”
The Type 26 is one of the world’s most advanced warships. The class is designed for anti-submarine warfare and high-intensity air defence and can adapt its role quickly to transport high volumes of humanitarian aid and house medical facilities.
Simon Dakin, Defence Equipment & Support director General Core, 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 program.”
BAE Systems has invested approximately £12 million (AU$23.7 million) in a new Applied Shipbuilding Academy in Glasgow to support the development of the entire workforce, from apprentices through to senior leaders.
In addition, construction is at an advanced stage on the Janet Harvey Hall, a modern shipbuilding facility named in honour of the World War II shipyard electrician. The hall will greatly enhance productivity on the Clyde to support the delivery of these eight ships and future orders for the Royal Navy.
Of the other four Type 26 vessels already under construction, HMS Belfast and HMS Birmingham are currently under construction at Govan, while HMS Glasgow and HMS Cardiff are undergoing outfit at Scotstoun where complex systems will be installed before test and commissioning takes place.
HMS Glasgow, the first ship in class, is expected to enter service in 2028.
