Babcock cuts steel on HMS Formidable

Posted on 10 Oct 2024 by James Devonshire

Babcock International cut steel yesterday on HMS Formidable, the Royal Navy’s third Type 31 Inspiration Class frigate, at its Rosyth facility in Scotland, marking the official start of the ship’s build programme.

The start of HMS Formidable’s production comes just 20 months since the steel cut ceremony for HMS Active, the Royal Navy’s second Type 31 Inspiration Class frigate. This highlights the rapid progress being made on the Type 31 programme and the important sovereign defence capability being delivered at Babcock’s world-class facility.

Production of all five ships in the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme—which will all be built in Rosyth—is expected to sustain 2,500 jobs in Scotland and across the wider UK supply chain. The work will also create an additional 400 apprenticeship roles, driving economic growth.

Attending the ceremony, Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said: “This government is committed to making Britain secure at home and strong abroad. These frigates will be at the heart of the Royal Navy fleet, deterring aggression and supporting our military.

“Today’s significant milestone is backing the government’s mission to grow the economy by supporting thousands of jobs in Scotland and across the UK”.

Babcock’s Chief Executive Officer, David Lockwood, said: “Today, we are proud to mark yet another milestone in this important defence programme for the Royal Navy. These frigates will play a significant role in protecting the UK and supporting international partnered defence operations.

“This programme is a real demonstration of UK sovereign shipbuilding capability and is delivering positive economic impact within Scotland and in communities across the UK. It is a privilege for our teams across Babcock to be delivering these platforms for the nation”.

The Type 31 programme is also a key element in the Royal Navy’s production line, sustaining and developing the British shipbuilding industry.

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