Babcock has officially laid the keel for the Royal Navy’s HMS Formidable (F11), marking a significant milestone in the construction of the Inspiration-class frigate program at the Rosyth shipyard in Scotland. This event highlights the company’s commitment to the Type 31 initiative, which aims to bring five modern warships into service over the decade following the contract’s signing in 2019.
Construction of the HMS Formidable commenced in October 2024, with the lead ship of the class, HMS Venturer (F12), already afloat and undergoing final outfitting. The second vessel, HMS Active (F08), is scheduled to launch in 2026, while steel cutting for the fourth ship, HMS Bulldog (F09), is set to begin the same year.
The frigates are named after distinguished British military vessels, reflecting their intended operational roles. Each ship is projected to cost around £250 million ($334.4 million), contributing to a total program budget of approximately £2 billion ($2.6 billion). This initiative is critical not only for modernizing the Royal Navy’s capabilities but also for bolstering the economy, supporting an estimated 2,500 skilled jobs across Scotland and the UK, along with creating 400 new apprenticeships.
Once operational, the HMS Formidable and its sister ships will replace parts of the aging Type 23 or Duke-class fleet that have been in service since the 1980s. The new frigates are designed for a range of missions, including maritime security and humanitarian assistance.
In a related development, Babcock announced an enhanced collaboration with American shipbuilder HII to manufacture sophisticated assemblies for the U.S. Navy’s Virginia-class submarines. This work will complement ongoing missile-tube projects connected to the AUKUS defense pact among Australia, the UK, and the US, which focuses on advancing manned and unmanned military technologies to enhance mutual security.
British Defence Secretary John Healey expressed confidence in Scotland’s defence workforce, stating, “Today’s announcement represents another vote of confidence in the workers and skills of Scotland’s defence industry.” He further emphasized the UK Government’s commitment to supporting Scottish defensive capabilities on the global stage, fostering growth and opportunity in communities throughout the region.
