UK Government announces BAE Systems will build Type 26 frigates

Work to build a new fleet of Navy frigates will begin next summer, with Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon saying the construction of the “most advanced combat ships on the planet” will keep shipbuilding jobs on the Clyde for the next two decades.

Steel will be cut for the first of the eight Type 26 ships next summer, with the project expected to last until 2035.

The defence secretary announced the news as he visited the BAE Systems shipyard in Glasgow.

Fears over the future of the yard were raised earlier this year after the work was delayed, with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon previously accusing the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of breaking a promise to workers there ahead of the 2014 independence referendum.

But Sir Michael said: “There are billions of pounds of work here for the Clyde, keeping the shipyards here in work for the next 20 years.”

BAE Systems managing director Nigel Whitehead said the work will be “a significant programme for the next two decades, manufacturing outstanding ships”.

The Defence Secretary also announced MoD plans to sign a contract shortly to start building two offshore patrol Vessels (OPVs) by 2019.

Unite union regional coordinating officer Kenny Jordan said: “We’re pleased that the Defence Secretary has finally committed to meeting the promises made to the workforce on the Clyde.

“Our members have been living with uncertainty for too long and this is a testament to the lobbying and campaigning that they have done over the last two years.”