A FRESH model of Britain’s future frigate – the Type 26 Global Combat Ship – has been revealed.
The ship, which is due to take over from the aging Type 23 as the Royal Navy’s workhorse from the 2020s, was unveiled during an arms expo in London.
ortsmouth South MP Flick Drummond came face-to-face with the new frigate at the Defence Security and Equipment International exhibition.
She said: ‘It’s really vital that the Royal Navy has this sort of 21st century ship if Britain is to effectively punch its weight in the world and offer maritime security and humanitarian aid to those who need it in the years to come.’
The frigate will boast state-of-the-art weaponry and capacity for either two Wildcat or one Merlin helicopters in a purpose-built hanger, as well as the ability for a Chinook to land on her deck.
It is also almost as long as the current Type 45 destroyers and will have a top speed of 28 knots.
Britain’s most senior sailor said: ‘Our current Type 23 frigates are recognized globally as one of the quietest and most effective submarine hunters ever brought into service.
‘But they are ageing and if we are to maintain this level of capability - against the backdrop of a global proliferation of nuclear and conventional submarines - then the Type 26 is crucial.’
The future frigate is being designed by BAE Systems and is due to be the backbone of the Royal Navy until about 2050.
