UK’s Type 31 frigate program advances as HMS Active continues to take shape

The second of five Type 31 frigates under construction for the Royal Navy, HMS Active, has reached another key stage in its build journey at Babcock International Group.

According to Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), HMS Active has successfully undergone its stern drop operation. With the keel and supporting structure now fully integrated, the ship’s structural backbone is complete, providing the strength and alignment needed for further assembly.

Work is steadily advancing within the assembly hall, with teams now preparing for the next phase, including installation of propulsion shaft brackets and continued outfitting, it was added.

HMS Active is the second of five Inspiration-class (Type 31) general-purpose frigates being built under the Royal Navy’s Global Combat Ship program. The £1.25 billion contract was awarded to Babcock in 2019.

“This key milestone represents the culmination of significant engineering and fabrication effort. It marks the transition to the next phase of consolidation of propulsion shaft brackets and construction, as HMS Active takes shape in the assembly hall,” Francesco, DE&S T31 Naval Architect, said.

“It is a privilege to be part of the team delivering a successful drop stern operation, where the temporary supports at the aft end of the ship are removed and ballast embarked to allow the hull to take its shape.”

HMS Active follows HMS Venturer, the first in class, which is also under construction in Rosyth. The vessel recently completed its first entry into the water. The steel-cutting ceremony for the Royal Navy’s third Type 31 frigate, HMS Formidable, was held in October last year.

The frigates are based on Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 design, which is also exported to Indonesia and Poland. Each Type 31 frigate measures approximately 139 meters in length with a beam of about 20 meters, and they displace between 5,700 and 7,000 tonnes. Powered to reach speeds over 26 knots, the ships have an operational range of roughly 7,500 nautical miles.

These ships are intended to be highly versatile, affordable, and adaptable platforms suitable for a wide range of missions, including maritime security, escort duties, disaster relief, and future naval warfare involving unmanned systems.

All five ships are scheduled to be delivered by 2028.

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