'Real momentum' to restore Royal Navy as First Sea Lord hails new Type 31 HMS Active and Bulldog milestones
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The head of the Royal Navy has praised the construction milestones of two new frigates - which will all be based in Portsmouth once they’re part of the fleet.
First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins hailed the progress being made to build Type 31 frigates. The traditional steel cutting ceremony marked the start of building HMS Bulldog, the fourth of five General Purpose Frigates.
HMS Active, the second vessel in the pipeline, emerged from the gigantic assembly hall in Rosyth, Scotland, all set for completion and testing. She was rolled through the 28-metre-tall doors and into the Venturer Assembly Hall for the next stage in her journey.
“HMS Active’s roll-out and HMS Bulldog’s steel cut represent real momentum in delivering the ships the Royal Navy needs,” Sir Gwyn said. “These versatile frigates will be workhorses of the fleet, capable of operating across a wide spectrum of maritime operations.
“As we build towards a hybrid navy that combines crewed vessels with un-crewed systems, the Type 31s will provide the flexible, adaptable platforms we need to meet evolving threats. I am immensely proud that these ships are being built by the skilled workforce here at Rosyth, continuing Scotland’s proud tradition of naval shipbuilding and demonstrating that British industry can deliver world-leading capability.”
The five Type 31 frigates will replace their aging Type 23 counterparts, alongside the eight Type 26 submarine-hunting ships being constructed in Glasgow. These Inspiration-class vessels will form a vital part of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet - tasked with maritime security operations, providing disaster relief, engaging in humanitarian support, intelligence gathering drills, anti-drug smuggling missions and other operations.
Minister for defence readiness and industry, Luke Pollard, previously said the ships will enter the Royal Navy fleet in the late 2020s and early 2030s. Speaking about the recent announcement, he said: “These milestones show Scottish shipbuilding at its best. From starting construction for HMS Bulldog to rolling out the impressive HMS Active, this programme is delivering world-class warships for the Royal Navy and real economic benefits for communities across Scotland and the wider UK.
“The frigates will serve our nation for decades to come, and the skills and infrastructure we’re building here will secure the future of Scottish shipbuilding for generations.”