HMS GLASGOW Named as First of Class
Following recent confirmation of the £3.7 billion order for the first three Type 26 Global Combat Ships by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), British Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon formally started the production process in BAE Systems’ Glasgow facilities on 20 July. At the same time he revealed the name of the first vessel would be HMS GLASGOW.
“The Type 26 is a cutting-edge warship that will maintain our naval power with a truly global reach… [and] will form a backbone of the future Royal Navy surface fleet into the 2060s,” he said.
HMS GLASGOW is due to enter Royal Navy service in the mid-2020s as the start of a replacement programme for the Type 23 anti-submarine frigates. Globally deployable, with a flexible mission bay, comprehensive aviation facilities and powerful combat systems, the class will be capable of undertaking a wide variety of roles, from high intensity naval warfare and border security to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. BAE Systems is actively exploring export opportunities, and there are indications of strong interest in nations such as Canada and Australia.