UK’s first Type 31 frigate breaks cover (VIDEO)

May 28, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Defense company Babcock International unveiled the first Type 31 frigate built for the Royal Navy at its Rosyth site on May 28, 2025.

The Royal Navy’s latest advanced warship, HMS Venturer, emerged from the build hall, signifying the transition from the construction phase into final preparations for entry into water.

The 5,700 tonne, 139-meter-long ship was carefully manoeuvred out of the Rosyth build hall using self-propelled modular transporters. The vessel is being prepared for the official launch into the River Forth in the coming weeks.

HMS Venturer – The first Type 31 frigate

Watch video here

The program is making rapid progress and is now well into its multi-ship build phase with three ships in production. The Royal Navy will receive a total of five Type 31 frigates, completed within 10 years from the point of initial contract award.

The Type 31 frigate is based on Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 design, which is also exported to Indonesia and Poland.

“For the first time, we’re seeing HMS Venturer, the first of her class emerge from the build hall – a powerful symbol of UK naval ambition and sovereign capability. It marks another major milestone in a standout week for British shipbuilding, at a time when global uncertainty demands even greater defence capability,” Nick Hine, Chief Executive of Babcock’s Marine Sector, said.

“This government is committed to making Britain secure at home and strong abroad. HMS Venturer will be at the heart of the Royal Navy fleet, deterring aggression and supporting our Armed Forces. She also represents the best of Britain’s world-class shipbuilding heritage,” Minister for Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, added.

“Seeing HMS Venturer reach this pivotal milestone is a cause for celebration for all those working on the programme to make this day a reality,” Steve Ranyard, Type 31 Team Leader at DE&S, commented.

“The roll-out of HMS Venturer paves the way for the success of the entire fleet of the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates. Once complete, they will be at the forefront of deterring aggression and maintaining the security and prosperity of our nation and our allies.”

After the ship has completed float-off, it will return to Rosyth to undergo extensive outfitting and systems integration in dock before its sea trials and entering operational service.

Timeline of Type 31 construction milestones: