Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what risks he has identified in the complex integration challenges for the Type 31 frigate programme; and what (a) technical and (b) contractual steps he is taking to help mitigate those risks.

The Type 31 (T31) frigate programme will deliver a maritime security capability at a value for money price, in a timescale that compares favourably with other international warship procurement programmes.

In common with other enterprises, the T31 programme is experiencing inflationary pressures, which are understood and remain in line with the latest plans and forecasts. The Red delivery confidence assessment rating reflects this impact and on completion of full assessment and assurance, formal updates will be provided through official channels at the appropriate time.

HMS VENTURER is the first in Class of the T31 and is currently scheduled to be in service by the end of the decade. All five of the T31 ships are planned to be in service by the early 2030s and are forecast to meet the Key User Requirements. Three ships are currently in build; HMS VENTURER, which was floated off a launch barge in June 2025, HMS ACTIVE and HMS FORMIDABLE.

There has been substantial investment in risk mitigation. For example: significant investment in Babcock’s facilities at Rosyth, which include digitising the shipyard, new manufacturing facilities, and a new purpose-built Assembly Hall. In addition, there has been the generation of a Shore Integration facility at Portsdown Technology Park, to mitigate risks to the integration of the combat system.