The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Frigates may be built in sections across UK yards
First Type 31e frigates will be built with export market in mind
A fleet of warships could be built in blocks across several British shipyards and then assembled at a central hub, the Defence Secretary announced.
Sir Michael Fallon said the first batch of new Type 31e frigates would be built with the export market in mind, with the UK shipbuilding industry potentially serving both the Royal Navy and navies of allies and partners.
As part of this approach, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that the first batch of five Type 31e frigates could be built across different shipyards, before being assembled at a central site.
The frigates are due to be in service by 2023 and shipyards would be encouraged to ensure the vessel was competitive on the global market by working with “global partners”.
The plans form part of a national shipbuilding strategy, which accepts the recommendations of an independent report into the industry by Sir John Parker, who said the fleet was being depleted by a “vicious cycle” of old ships retained beyond their sell-by date.
Sir Michael said: “This new approach will lead to more cutting-edge ships for the growing Royal Navy that will be designed to maximise exports and be attractive to navies around the world.
“Backed up by a commitment to spend billions on new ships, our plan will help boost jobs, skills and growth in shipyards and the supply chain across the UK.”
The separation of the building work for the new frigates reflects the approach taken for the 65,000-tonne HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The MoD said the ship was built in blocks by more than 10,000 people in six British cities before being assembled in Rosyth.
Sir John said: “I am very impressed by the courage that the Secretary of State has shown – and the Government – in adopting my recommendations, which were very extensive, and will change the shape of naval shipbuilding over the country in the future.
“The next challenge is to come up with a world-leading design; one that can satisfy the needs of the Royal Navy and the export market.”
SNP defence spokesman Stewart McDonald said: “This has been very long awaited, long promised and is depressingly as expected from this UK Government.
“It is nothing to do with ambition, it is all about squeezing costs to the bone and cutting corners, and still leaves real uncertainties for the future for workers at Scottish shipyards and the communities that depend on them.”