In early April 2023, UK Minister for Defence Procurement Alex Chalk attended the ceremony to officially begin construction on the future HMS Birmingham at BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard in Glasgow.
The steel cutting, marking the official start of build on the fourth of eight Type 26 frigates, was carried out by apprentice burner, Ciaran Baillie, accompanied by fabricator – plater Jamie Finnegan.
Work on the first three Type 26 ships is well under way with HMS Glasgow now at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun shipyard to have her complex systems installed, HMS Cardiff currently being assembled and HMS Belfast in its early construction phase.
HMS Birmingham is the first ship to be constructed under a £4.2bn contract for the remaining five ships secured in November 2022.
The Type 26 is designed for anti-submarine warfare and high-intensity air defence but can adapt its role quickly to transport high volumes of humanitarian aid and house medical facilities.
The programme is a UK-wide endeavour, with more than 120 British suppliers securing contracts supporting the frigates.
BAE Systems is investing approximately £15 million in an Applied Shipbuilding Academy in Glasgow to support the development of its workforce, from apprentices through to senior leaders. In addition, construction has begun on a modern shipbuilding hall worth more than £100 million, which will greatly enhance productivity on the Clyde to support the delivery of these eight ships and future orders.
The Commonwealths of Australia and Canada have selected the Type 26 design, which, together with the UK, provide an anticipated 32-ship programme across the three nations.
