Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask Her Majesty's Government when the first Type 26 frigate was ordered; when the first steel was cut; what is the planned launch date of that frigate; and when it is expected to be accepted into service by the Royal Navy.

The £3.7 billion contract to manufacture the first batch of three Type 26 Frigates was awarded in June 2017 and steel cut on the first ship, HMS GLASGOW, in July 2017.

I have interpreted the Noble Lord's use of the term 'launch date' to mean when HMS GLASGOW will be in the water. On current plans, HMS GLASGOW will be floated-up in BAE System's Govan shipyard in the second half of 2022 and then transferred to its Scotstoun shipyard. There, she will be fitted-out with complex weapons and other systems. After completion of sea trials and Royal Navy training and preparations, she is currently expected to enter service in 2027.