BAE Systems has been awarded a four year £127 million contract by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to take forward the programme to develop a new generation of combat ships for the Royal Navy.
The announcement comes as the Royal Navy has revealed that the
first ships to be developed under the Future Surface Combatant
programme will be known as the Type 26 class. Designed to replace
the existing Type 22 and Type 23 frigates, Type 26 will deliver a
versatile, affordable capability that can be easily upgraded to
ensure it remains at the cutting-edge throughout its service life.
Under the contract, BAE Systems will work in a joint team with the
MOD to assess options from the initial concept design in order to
develop a detailed specification ready for manufacture.
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: "Planning for future
Defence is crucial. It is our duty to provide key equipment that
will ensure the UK is properly prepared to meet its own Defence
needs in an ever changing world, and continue to play an important
role in maintaining global security. Programmes like the Type 26
not only ensure the Royal Navy continues to have cutting edge
capability but also sustain the industry that supports them. The
commitments the MOD has made will protect skills and employment,
and preserve the industrial capability needed to carry out future
programmes efficiently, in a way that represents value for
money."
First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope said: "These programme
announcements are welcome news for the Navy. You simply cannot have
an effective Navy without capable Frigates, and the Type 26 combat
ship will form the future backbone of the Royal Navy's surface
combatant force, alongside the new Type 45 Destroyers. These
ships will be highly versatile, able to operate across the full
spectrum of operations, from war fighting to disaster relief."
Alan Johnston, Managing Director of BAE Systems Surface Ships,
said: "This is an exciting step in a programme that is hugely
important not only for the Royal Navy but for the whole of the UK
maritime industry.
"Type 26 is a key component in sustaining a surface warship
capability in UK industry as agreed under the Terms of Business
Agreement we signed with the MOD last year. Working in close
partnership with the MOD and industry will help to reduce risk and
deliver better value for UK taxpayers. It represents a real
step change in procurement for defence."
Source:
BAE Systems news release