UK’s third Type 31 frigate moves into construction phase with keel-laying at Rosyth

The keel of HMS Formidable, the Royal Navy’s third Type 31 frigate, has been laid in a ceremony at the Babcock facility in Rosyth.

Work on HMS Formidable has been underway since October 2024, when the first steel was cut, with various segments taking shape. With keel laying, the frigate begins to take on the form of a warship as the first of 170 modules that will make up the finished vessel, which will patrol the Seven Seas, performing general duties under the White Ensign.

“HMS Formidable’s keel laying ceremony marks a significant milestone in the Type 31 project’s relentless progress in delivering the Royal Navy’s Inspiration Class to operations,” said Commander Thomas Hetherington, Senior Naval Officer of HMS Venturer and Type 31 ships.

“The ceremony blends the tradition of marking the birth of a ship with the undoubted technological advances that have been used in designing and building her for the extremely complex environment she will sail in. HMS Formidable will help modernise the Royal Navy’s frigate fleet and enhance the lived experience for our sailors as they continue to deliver on operations across the globe.” 

Only HMS Venturer, the first ship in the class of five, has a crew at present; they are responsible for all three vessels. 

The second ship in the program, HMS Active, is due to be rolled out of the assembly hall next year, while work will also begin on the fourth frigate, HMS Bulldog.

The Type 31s, which will be based in Portsmouth, are one half of the replacement programme for the aging Type 23 frigates; they will perform general duties such as counter-smuggling operations, disaster relief, maritime security patrols, while Type 26 frigates being built on the Clyde will assume anti-submarine patrols.

Recently, the Royal Navy retired its longest-serving frigate, the Type 23 HMS Lancaster.

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