PHOTO: New milestones unlocked for UK’s new Type 31 frigate

The Type 31 team recently completed a number of key activities on the Royal Navy’s second Type 31 frigate, UK shipbuilder Babcock International revealed.

As informed, the team completed hot work on the deck of the ship’s two engine rooms and a four-week blast and paint cycle. Moreover, the first of the main engines was lifted into its place.

The keel for HMS Active, the second ship of the Type 31 frigate program, was laid in September last year. The construction of the vessel started in January 2023 with a traditional steel-cutting ceremony.

The construction of the Type 31 frigates is part of a wider investment in UK yards and industry under the government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy of more than £4 billion over the next three years alone.

The T31 program is on track to deliver all five Inspiration-class ships by 2028, according to Babcock.

The vessels are nearly 140 meters long, with a 20-meter-long beam and a displacement of 7,000 tonnes. Each of the Type 31 ships will be equipped with the Sea Ceptor air defense missile system, a 57mm main gun and two 40mm Bofors, a 4D radar, and carry a helicopter up to Merlin size.

The frigates will be able to meet changing operational needs, ranging from anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, electromagnetic maneuver warfare and anti-air warfare. The construction of the first Type 31 frigate HMS Venturer started in April 2022, while the float-off is scheduled for the first half of 2024.