BAE Systems reports on progress of UK’s Type 26 frigate program

Shipbuilder BAE Systems has reported on the progress of the UK’s Type 26 frigate program, highlighting key milestones in construction, outfitting, and export success as the Royal Navy prepares to replace its aging Type 23 fleet.

The company disclosed that the final outfitting is underway on the first two ships, HMS Glasgow and HMS Cardiff, at the Scotstoun yard. Meanwhile, HMS Belfast, HMS Birmingham, and HMS Sheffield are progressing at the firm’s Govan site.

BAE has invested heavily in shipyard infrastructure, notably the Janet Harvey Hall at Govan, allowing two Type 26 ships to be constructed simultaneously and increasing production efficiency. Preparations for the sixth ship, HMS Newcastle, including long-lead procurement, are already underway, maintaining a steady production pipeline.

To remind, the naming of the first of eight Type 26 frigates being built by BAE Systems for the Royal Navy, HMS Glasgow, took place in May 2025. The vessel was officially named by Catherine, the Princess of Wales, at a ceremony in the city in which it was built and named after.

The Type 26 program has also gained momentum on the international stage. Norway has selected the Type 26 design for its future frigate fleet in a £10 billion government-to-government deal, marking the UK’s largest warship export to date.

This order not only strengthens the Clyde shipyards’ workload but also supports thousands of jobs across the UK supply chain, demonstrating the program’s economic as well as strategic importance, according to BAE.