Babcock has achieved two key milestones in the UK Royal Navy’s Type 31 Inspiration-class frigate program at its Rosyth, Scotland, shipyard.
The company carried out the steel cut for HMS Bulldog, marking the start of construction on the fourth of five ships, and completed assembly of HMS Active, making it the second frigate to leave the shipyard ahead of launch.
Construction work follows a modular approach, enabling equipment and systems to be fitted in the ship’s compartments while still in the assembly bays.
The Type 31 program involves a network of UK and international suppliers, including small and medium-sized enterprises.
“We are not only building a new class of ship at Rosyth, we are also at the forefront of a national endeavour that is strengthening the UK’s shipbuilding industry, supporting sovereign and allied maritime capability, while creating an advanced industrial footprint and expertise that will support the future of global shipbuilding for generations to come,” stated David Lockwood, CEO of Babcock.
Progress on Type 31 Frigates
The five frigates are designed to give the Royal Navy flexible surface combat capabilities, covering tasks such as interception, intelligence gathering, defensive operations, and humanitarian support.
Babcock’s recent achievements build on a series of advancements made by the company in the Type 31 program in 2025.
Key construction milestones include the rollout of HMS Venturer and the keel laying of HMS Formidable.
Moreover, the company secured an $84-million contract to carry out the Capability Insertion Period, which integrates and tests upgrades to enhance the frigates’ operational capabilities.
Additionally, Babcock and BAE Systems Bofors signed a memorandum of understanding to coordinate in-service support for the naval guns fitted on the five ships, including both the Mk3 and lighter Mk4 variants.
