The eight ships are expected to enter service between 2028 and 2035
HMS Glasgow, the first of eight Type 26 frigates being built by BAE Systems for the Royal Navy, has been officially named by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales at a ceremony in the city in which it was built and named after.
HRH The Princess of Wales is the ship’s sponsor, an honorary role that historically served to bestow good luck and divine protection on a ship, meaning that she will maintain a close connection with the ship and her crew throughout her service life.
The naming ceremony, which took place at BAE System’s Scotstoun shipyard, was watched by a crowd including His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, some of those who have helped build the ship, the ship’s company and their families. It concluded with the smashing of a bottle of whisky over the bow of the ship, rather than the traditional bottle of champagne, due to the frigate’s Scottish heritage.
Simon Lister, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business, said: “This is an historic moment for the Type 26 programme, the city of Glasgow and the thousands of people involved in this great endeavour. The naming of HMS Glasgow is a significant step towards this cutting-edge vessel joining the Royal Navy fleet and demonstrates our solid progress in delivering these powerful new ships. We are proud that they will play a vital role in protecting the UK.”
The first of class frigate HMS Glasgow and its sister ships will be among the most advanced anti-submarine warfare warships of their time.
Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell said: “From the first ever HMS Glasgow, sailing under the Royal Navy flag at the end of the 17thcentury, to the ship we see here in the 21st century, HMS Glasgow has evolved and adapted to meet the warfighting and operational demands of its day. The result of this being 11 battle honours – HMS Glasgow’s pedigree is awe inspiring. This ship and her class represent the next chapter of naval innovation, setting the standard for naval warfare, safeguarding the UK’s interests and contributing to national prosperity.”
When complete, the 6,900 tonnes and 149-metre Type 26 frigates will be the backbone of the Royal Navy’s surface presence, designed to deal with missions across the full spectrum of its operations.
Work is already well underway on HMS Glasgow’s sister ships. HMS Cardiff moved to BAE Systems’ Scotstoun yard last year to begin outfitting. HMS Belfast, HMS Birmingham and HMS Sheffield are progressing at the Company’s Govan facilities, while steel will be cut on HMS Newcastle later this year.
