Following a comprehensive competitive process, Babcock International has been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) as the preferred bidder to deliver its new Type 31 frigate fleet, securing hundreds of jobs at Rosyth Dockyard
in Fife, where the ships will be assembled.

Construction work is expected to be spread between yards around the UK.

In partnership with the Thales Group, Babcock will deliver the T31 general-purpose frigate programme, which will provide the UK Government with a fleet of five ships at an average production cost of £250 million per ship.

The Arrowhead 140 design has been chosen, with the first vessel scheduled for launch in 2023.

At its height, the programme will involve around 1,250 highly skilled workers in multiple locations throughout the UK, and around 150 new technical apprenticeships are likely to be created.

The work is expected to support another 1,250 jobs in the wider UK supply chain.

With Babcock’s Rosyth facility (www.babcockinternational.com) as the central integration site, the solution provides value for money and supports the principles of the Government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.

It builds on the knowledge and expertise developed during the recent modular build programme for the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.

Work on the fleet of five ships will begin immediately following the formal contract award later this year, with detailed design work to start now and manufacture commencing in 2021 and concluding in 2027.

Babcock CEO Archie Bethel said: “It has been a tough competition, and we are absolutely delighted that Arrowhead 140 has been recognised as offering the best design, build and delivery solution for the UK’s Royal Navy Type 31 frigates.

"Driven by innovation and backed by experience and heritage, Arrowhead 140 is a modern warship that will meet the maritime threats of today and tomorrow, with British ingenuity and engineering at its core.”