New images and video of what the British Navy’s Type 26 “Global Combat Ship” will look like have gone on show at DSEi, London yesterday.
This multi-mission warship is being designed to support anti-submarine warfare, air defense and general purpose operations and will build on the legacy of its Type 23 forerunners.
Addressing the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEi) exhibition, the First Sea Lord Admiral Sir George Zambellas spoke of the future and innovation within the Royal Navy.
He described the Type 26 as forming “the backbone of the Royal Navy, with a design that has the potential to meet the operational needs of a number of major navies around the world.”
The first ships of the Type 26 class are due to enter service in the early 2020s, and Britain envisions at least 12-13 of them. The current Type 26 plan involves 5 basic frigates, and another 8 ships with additional anti-submarine warfare equipment.
Designed with an acoustically quiet hull, the ship is being designed to be supportable and upgradeable as new technology develops to ensure that it remains relevant to the future demands of the maritime environment.
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Image/Video: BAE Systems