'Inflationary pressures' hitting Type 31 shipbuilding programme as new Royal Navy frigates could be delayed

Efforts to build new frigates for the Royal Navy are being hampered by “inflationary pressures”.

Doubts have been cast over the programme to construct five new Type 31 warships, which will be based in Portsmouth once they enter the fleet. The project, being overseen in Babcock International, recently received a red grade in the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Major Projects Annual Report 2025 to 2026.

Its conclusion was the scheme’s deadlines could slip and costs could rise above allocated budgets. Conservative MP for Huntingdon, Ben Obese-Jecty, asked the government when it plans to reset the programme’s approved budgetary limit.

Minister of defence readiness and industry, Luke Pollard, said: “The Ministry of Defence keeps the affordability of all major programmes under continual review. In common with other enterprises, the Type 31 programme is experiencing inflationary pressures, and the impact of possible costs is being assessed.

“Any changes to programme budgets and approvals will be considered through the Department's established governance processes. It would therefore be inappropriate to speculate on the timing of any future decisions.”

A total of five Inspiration-class warships are being built to replace their ageing Type 23 counterparts. Once in the Royal Navy fleet, the General Purpose warships will be tasked with maritime security patrols, anti-piracy drills, humanitarian and disaster relief operations, diplomatic engagements, escorting duties for the UK Carrier Strike Group and other roles.

Pressure is mounting on this programme, and another project to build Type 26 submarine-hunting warships, due to the shrinking fleet. There are currently only five frigates at the Royal Navy’s disposal. HMS Richmond and Iron Duke were retired in July due to their deteriorating state and cost pressures.

HMS Somerset, Sutherland, St Albans, Portland, and Kent are the remaining ships - with the latter stuck on the side-lines while she goes through an upgrade programme. Of the five planned Type 31 frigates, HMS Venturer and Active are currently in the fitting out phase in the dry docks. This involves installing internal systems including engines and propulsion units, machinery, and accommodation - effectively turning the raw shell into a working vessel.

Deadlines have already slipped on the project. HMS Venturer was floated off in on June 14, 2025, which was 15 months behind original plans in 2020. Original deadlines involved entry into service in 2027-2028, with the quintet being in the fleet by 2030.

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As reported by specialist publication Navy Lookout, the expectation by September 2026 was for the first frigate to be handed over within the next two years, with acceptance, certification, trials and work-up trials still to go. The pair also need to go through a Capability Insertion Period to fit fit Mk 41 vertical launch cells and other equipment.

In a recent written statement, Mr Pollard was vague about when the frigates would enter the Royal Navy fleet. Deadlines have moved from “by the end of the decade”, to “continual review”. None of the frigates are likely to be operational before the early 2030s.

“The Type 31 programme continues to deliver five Inspiration Class frigates for the Royal Navy, with industry partners,” Mr Pollard said. “As with all major programmes, schedule performance is kept under continual review through established Departmental governance and assurance processes. Any changes to approved programme schedules will be reported through the appropriate official channels.”