Navy warship HMS Glasgow suffers alleged sabotage
An investigation has been launched into an alleged incident of sabotage on board the HMS Glasgow last week.
A number of cables appeared to have been damaged intentionally on board the Type 26 Frigate, Portsmouthbased BAE Systems have said.
According to a report in the UK Defence Journal ,itis alleged the act was carried out by disgruntled contractors. Work on the ship was paused temporarily in order to assess ‘every area’ of the vessel.
A BAE Systems spokesperson said: ‘We uncovered a limited number of cables on HMS Glasgow earlier in the week, which appear to have been damaged intentionally.
‘We immediately launched an internal investigation, alongside our suppliers, and temporarily paused work on the ship to inspect every area of the vessel and ensure our high standards and quality controls are met.
‘Normal operations have now resumed and an assessment is under way to scope the repairs needed.’
HMS Glasgow is being assembled at the Govan site on the River Clyde in Glasgow, with the first steel cut for the boat almost six years ago.
The ship was expected to be delivered in 2024 and operational in about 2026. But last November Defence Minister Ben Wallace confirmed that initial operating capability (IOC) had slipped by one year to October 2028.
In a written statement to Parliament, Wallace said the delay was mainly due to the impacts of the pandemic, as well as design and supply chain issues.
HMS Glasgow is the first of eight Type 26 frigates that will be built in the city.
Her flight deck will be able to accommodate helicopters up to the size of the RAF’s Chinooks.