View source for Type 26 frigate

{{Short description|Frigate class being built for the Royal Navy}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2017}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = File:HMS Glasgow (52567292390).jpg
| Ship caption = {{HMS|Glasgow|F88|6}}, on barge for transport to [[DM Glen Douglas|Glen Mallan]] for launch in 2022
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
| Name = Type 26 frigate
| Builders = [[BAE Systems Maritime – Naval Ships]]
| Operators = * {{navy|United Kingdom}}
* {{navy|Australia}}
* {{navy|Canada}}
| Class before = * [[Type 23 frigate]] ([[Royal Navy|RN]])
* {{sclass|Anzac|frigate|1}} ([[Royal Australian Navy|RAN]])
* {{sclass|Halifax|frigate|1}} ([[Royal Canadian Navy|RCN]])
| Class after = 
| Subclasses = * {{sclass|Hunter|frigate|1}} ([[Royal Australian Navy|RAN]])
* {{sclass2|River|destroyer|1||2030s}} ([[Royal Canadian Navy|RCN]])
| Cost = *UK Batch 1: {{ShipCost|GBR|1.31|b|r=2|year=2022|quantity=1|est=yes|ref=<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/royal-navys-new-submarine-hunting-28391745 |title=Royal Navy's new submarine-hunting frigate hit by year's delay - costing £233m |work=Mirror |last=Glaze |first=Ben |date=2 November 2022 |access-date=29 November 2022}}</ref>}}
*UK Batch 2: {{ShipCost|GBR|4.2|b|r=2|year=2022|quantity=5|est=yes|ref=<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/uk-awards-bae-4-2-billion-contract-for-royal-navy-frigates-1.1846295 |title=UK Awards BAE £4.2 Billion Contract for Royal Navy Frigates |work=BNN Bloomberg |last=Donaldson |first=Kitty |date=14 November 2022 |access-date=29 November 2022}}</ref>}}
*Australia: {{ShipCost|AUS|35|b|year=2018|quantity=9|tot=yes|est=yes|ref=<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2018/06/29/australia-officially-announces-26b-frigate-contract-here-are-the-build-details/|title=Australia officially announces $26B frigate contract. Here are the build details|first=Nigel|last=Pittaway|date=29 June 2018|website=Defense News}}</ref>}}
*Canada: {{ShipCost|CAN|69.8|b|year=2019|r=1|quantity=15|tot=yes|est=yes|ref=<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.naval-technology.com/news/canadian-surface-combatant-project-found-to-cost-more-than-52-7bn/|title=Canadian Surface Combatant project found to cost more than $52.7bn|date=25 June 2019|website=Naval Technology|access-date=24 April 2020|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028002914/https://www.naval-technology.com/news/canadian-surface-combatant-project-found-to-cost-more-than-52-7bn/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| Built range = Contract award announced 2 July 2017<ref name="BAE Systems">{{cite web|url=http://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/article/manufacturing-contract-for-type-26-global-combat-ship-awarded-to-bae-systems|title=Manufacturing contract for Type 26 Global Combat Ship awarded to BAE Systems|work=BAE Systems|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-date=7 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707062816/http://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/article/manufacturing-contract-for-type-26-global-combat-ship-awarded-to-bae-systems|url-status=live}}</ref>
| In service range = From 2028 (planned){{efn|While the first ship, HMS ''Glasgow'', is planned for commissioning in late 2026, initial operating capability is only anticipated from 2028.<ref name="navylookout.com">{{cite web | url=https://www.navylookout.com/in-focus-delivering-the-type-26-frigates/ | title=In focus: Delivering the Type 26 Frigates &#124; Navy Lookout | date=12 December 2022 }}</ref>}}<ref name="tringham">{{cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/naval-weapons/latest/ioc-for-uk-royal-navys-first-in-class-type-26-frigate-to-be-delayed-by-12-months |title=IOC for UK Royal Navy's first-in-class Type 26 frigate to be delayed by 12 months |work=Janes |last=Tringham |first=Kate |date=4 November 2022 |access-date=29 November 2022}}</ref><ref name=2015SDSR>{{cite web|title=SDSR 2015 Defence Fact Sheets|date=15 January 2016|page=10|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/492625/20160115-Defence__SDSR_Factsheets_Final-U.pdf|publisher=UK Ministry of Defence|access-date=15 January 2016}}</ref>
| In commission range = 
| Total ships building = 5<ref name="Glasgow" /> (4 x RN and 1 RAN)
| Total ships planned = {{unbulletedlist
   |8 (RN)<ref name=2015SDSR/><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/britains-future-frigates-06268/ |title=Britain's Future Frigates: Type 26 Global Combat Ships |access-date=20 October 2016 |archive-date=8 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108153442/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Britains-Future-Frigates-06268/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn|13 hulls were originally planned. However, this number was reduced to 8 in favour of acquiring 5 cheaper and smaller [[Type 31e frigate]]s.<ref name=2015SDSR/>}}
   | 6 (RAN)<ref name=AUS /> 
   | 15 (RCN)<ref name="CAN01"/> }}
| Total ships equipment = 2 />

| Total ships completed = 
| Total ships active = 
| Total ships laid up = 
| Total ships lost = 
| Total ships retired = 
| Total ships preserved = 
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Hide header = 
| Header caption = (City class)
| Ship type = [[Anti-submarine warfare]] [[frigate]]<ref name=2015SDSR/>
| Ship displacement = * {{convert|7,700|tonnes}} light shipweight<ref>{{cite news | url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/committees/estimate/28115/toc_pdf/Foreign%20Affairs,%20Defence%20and%20Trade%20Legislation%20Committee_2024_06_06.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22committees/estimate/28115/0000%22 | title=Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee_2024_06_06 | date=6 June 2024 | work=Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee}}</ref>
* {{convert|8,000|tonnes}} full load<ref name=Chuter20141109>{{cite news | url=http://archive.defensenews.com/article/20141109/DEFREG01/311090024/Britain-Struggles-Costs-New-Frigates | title=Britain Struggles With Costs for New Frigates | first=Andrew | last=Chuter | date=9 November 2014 | work=Defense News | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://archive.today/20150225130935/http://archive.defensenews.com/article/20141109/DEFREG01/311090024/Britain-Struggles-Costs-New-Frigates | archive-date=25 February 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{citation |author=Lord Palmer of Childs Hill |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201415/ldhansrd/text/150126-0001.htm |work=House of Lords |title= Defence: Type 26 Frigates |at=col 6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308215142/https://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201415/ldhansrd/text/150126-0001.htm |archive-date=8 March 2017 |date= 26 January 2015}}</ref>
| Ship length = {{convert|149.9|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name=BAE />
| Ship beam = {{convert|20.8|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name=BAE />
| Ship height = 
| Ship draught = 
| Ship power = 
| Ship propulsion = * [[CODLOG]] configuration:<ref name=NR20130110 />
** 1 × [[Rolls-Royce MT30]] gas turbine<ref name="navyrecognition.com">{{cite web |title=Type 26 Frigate – Global Combat Ship |url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=108 |website=www.navyrecognition.com |access-date=12 December 2018 |date=30 September 2011 |archive-date=2 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202073320/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=108 |url-status=live }}</ref>
** 4 × MTU Type 20V 4000 M53B high-speed diesel generators<ref name="navyrecognition.com"/>
** 2 × electric motors
| Ship speed = In excess of {{convert|26|kn|lk=in}}<ref name=BAE />
| Ship range = In excess of {{convert|7000|nmi|km|lk=in|abbr=on|-3}} in electric-motor (EM) drive<ref name=BAE />
| Ship endurance = 
| Ship boats = 2
| Ship complement = 157<ref name=BAE /> (capacity for 208)<ref name=BAE />
| Ship troops = 
| Ship sensors = * [[Type 997 Artisan radar|Type 997 Artisan]] 3D radar
    * Kelvin Hughes SharpEye navigation radar<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-navigation-radar-system-for-royal-navy|title=New navigation radar system for Royal Navy – News stories – GOV.UK|access-date=24 July 2016|archive-date=30 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630023422/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-navigation-radar-system-for-royal-navy|url-status=live}}</ref>
    * [[Terma A/S|Terma]] SCANTER 6000 2D X-Band navigation radar<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.terma.com/press/news-2018/imo-certified-naval-radar-solution/|title=IMO Certified Naval Radar Solution|publisher=Terma|access-date=24 October 2018|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513132142/https://www.terma.com/press/news-2018/imo-certified-naval-radar-solution/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
    * [[Sonar 2087]] (towed array sonar)
    * Ultra Electronics Type 2150 bow sonar
    * [[Skynet (satellite)|SCOT-5]] satcom
| Ship EW = * [[IRVIN-GQ]] DLF decoys<ref name=NR20130110 />
    * [[Seagnat]]
    * [[Naval Decoy IDS300]]
    * [[SSTD|Surface Ship Torpedo Defence]]
| Ship armament = *2 × 24-cell [[vertical launching system|VLS]] for:
** [[CAMM (missile family)|Sea Ceptor]] anti-air missiles
*1 × 24-cell [[Mark 41 Vertical Launching System|Mark 41 VLS]] for:
**[[Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon]].<ref name="Hansard">{{cite web |title=MOD written question |url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2021-07-05.27036.h&s |website=Hansard |access-date=27 July 2021 |archive-date=27 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727200624/https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2021-07-05.27036.h&s |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The Drive Canada Type 26">{{cite web |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |title=Canada's New Frigate Will Be Brimming With Missiles |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/37506/canadas-new-frigate-will-be-brimming-with-missiles |website=The Drive |date=13 November 2020 |access-date=14 November 2020 |archive-date=13 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113224800/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/37506/canadas-new-frigate-will-be-brimming-with-missiles |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.janes.com/article/46719/uk-confirms-mk-41-vls-selection-for-type-26 |title=UK confirms Mk 41 VLS selection for Type 26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207082926/http://www.janes.com/article/46719/uk-confirms-mk-41-vls-selection-for-type-26 |archive-date=7 December 2014 |publisher=IHS |date= 4 December 2014 |first=Richard |last=Scott |work= Jane's Navy International}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/bae-video-shows-type-26-frigate-customised-australia/ |title=BAE video shows Type 26 Frigate customised for Australia |date=1 August 2017 |website=UK Defence Journal |first=George |last=Allison |access-date=6 July 2018 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920114401/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/bae-video-shows-type-26-frigate-customised-australia/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
** [[Tomahawk (missile family)|BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missile]]
*1 × [[5"/54 caliber Mark 45 gun|5-inch 62-calibre Mk 45 naval gun]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2016/july/28/160728-type-26-gun-contract |title=£183 million deal for new gun on Type 26 Global Combat Ship sustains 43 skilled UK jobs |work=Royal Navy |access-date=25 March 2017 |date=28 July 2016 |archive-date=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326050830/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2016/july/28/160728-type-26-gun-contract |url-status=live }}</ref> 
* 2 × [[30mm DS30M Mark 2 Automated Small Calibre Gun|30 mm DS30M Mk2 guns]]
* 2 × [[Phalanx CIWS]]
* 4 × [[General purpose machine gun]]s or [[M2 Browning|0.50 calibre heavy machine guns]]<ref>{{cite AV media |date=1 January 2023 |title=An in-depth look at the Type 26 frigate design |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX5VDLqFMs8 |access-date=2 January 2023 |location=United Kingdom |publisher=Navy Lookout |via=YouTube|time=9:53 minutes in}}</ref>
| Ship armour = 
| Ship aircraft = [[AgustaWestland AW159|Wildcat]]{{efn|armed with [[Sea Venom (missile)|Sea Venom]] anti-ship missiles, or [[Sting Ray (torpedo)|Sting Ray]] anti-submarine torpedoes, or [[Lightweight Multirole Missile|Martlet]] multirole air-surface missiles, or Mk 11 depth charges}} or [[AgustaWestland AW101|AgustaWestland Merlin]] {{efn|armed with up to 4 × [[Sting Ray (torpedo)|Sting Ray]] anti-submarine torpedoes}}
| Ship aircraft facilities = Accommodation for two helicopters, [[Boeing Chinook (UK variants)|Chinook]]-capable flight deck, Enclosed [[hangar]] and Facilities for [[UAV]]s
| Ship notes = * ''Flexible mission bay''<ref name="The Drive RN Type 26">{{cite web |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |title=Everything You Need To Know About The Royal Navy's New Type 26 Frigates |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/12709/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-royal-navys-new-type-26-frigates |website=The Drive |date=20 July 2017 |access-date=14 November 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116185648/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/12709/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-royal-navys-new-type-26-frigates |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}
|}

The '''Type 26 frigate''', also known as '''City-class frigate''', is a [[ship class|class]] of [[frigate]]s and [[destroyer]]s being built for the [[United Kingdom]]'s [[Royal Navy]], with variants also being built for the Australian and Canadian navies.<ref name="Glasgow">{{cite web|url=https://stv.tv/news/west-central/1393923-first-of-royal-navy-s-new-frigates-named-hms-glasgow/|title=First of Royal Navy's new frigates named HMS Glasgow|website=STV News|publisher=STV|date=20 July 2017|access-date=20 July 2017|archive-date=9 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809173106/https://stv.tv/news/west-central/1393923-first-of-royal-navy-s-new-frigates-named-hms-glasgow/|url-status=live}}</ref> The programme, known as the '''Global Combat Ship''', was launched by the British [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] to partially replace the navy's thirteen [[Type 23 frigate]]s, and for export.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-equipment/ships/future-ships/type-26 Type 26 Global Combat Ship] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629210615/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-equipment/ships/future-ships/type-26 |date=29 June 2015 }}, royalnavy.mod.uk. Retrieved 23 January 2016.</ref> Its primary role is to conduct advanced [[anti-submarine warfare]] missions while supporting air defence and general purpose operations.<ref name="BAE" /> The type is the first naval platform shared between Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom since the pre-Second World War [[Tribal-class destroyer (1936)|Tribal-class destroyer]].

The programme began in 1998, under what was then known as the '''Future Surface Combatant''' (FSC). By March 2010 however, this procurement programme had evolved to become the Global Combat Ship, following the announcement of a four-year, £127&nbsp;million design contract being awarded to [[BAE Systems Maritime – Naval Ships]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/SurfaceShips/PlatformsandProgrammes/GlobalCombatShip/index.htm |title=Global Combat Ship |work=BAE Systems |access-date=26 July 2011 |archive-date=3 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203064331/https://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/SurfaceShips/PlatformsandProgrammes/GlobalCombatShip/index.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The primary development phase started on 1 April 2015 and in August 2015, the first [[Lead time|long lead time]] items for Type 26 were ordered, with manufacturing then expected to begin in 2016 and the first Type 26 to be delivered in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/53476/first-parts-ordered-for-uk-s-new-type-26-frigates |title=First parts ordered for UK's new Type 26 frigates |date=6 August 2015 |work=Janes |access-date=25 April 2016 |archive-date=4 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404172941/http://www.janes.com/article/53476/first-parts-ordered-for-uk-s-new-type-26-frigates |url-status=live }}</ref> Subsequently, the commissioning date for the first ship of the class slipped to late 2026, with initial operating capability now anticipated from 2028.<ref name="navylookout.com"/> The frigates will be built at BAE Systems' [[Govan]] and [[Scotstoun]] yards on the [[River Clyde]] in [[Glasgow]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.contracts.mod.uk/do-features-and-articles/bae-systems-engaging-the-type-26-supply-chain/|title=BAE Systems engaging the Type 26 supply chain. The supply chains for a modern warship are complex and call for careful management, as defence writer Mark Lane discovers talking to BAE Systems' Gary McCloskey.|publisher=www.contracts.mod.uk|access-date=7 April 2017|archive-date=7 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407233307/https://www.contracts.mod.uk/do-features-and-articles/bae-systems-engaging-the-type-26-supply-chain/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The contract award to manufacture the Type 26 was announced by BAE Systems on 2 July 2017,<ref name="BAE Systems"/> with steel cut for the first of class, [[HMS Glasgow (Type 26 frigate)|HMS ''Glasgow'']] on 20 July 2017.<ref name="bbc.co.uk">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-40660677 |title=First Type 26 frigate named HMS Glasgow |work=BBC |access-date=20 July 2017 |date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=15 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615113153/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-40660677 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In June 2018, the Australian Government announced that it had selected a modified version of the Type 26 platform as the planned replacement for its {{sclass|Anzac|frigate|2}}.<ref name="Prime Minister of Australia">{{cite web|url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/hunter-class-defending-australia-and-securing-our-shipbuilding-sovereignty|title=The Hunter class – defending Australia and securing our shipbuilding sovereignty|date=29 June 2018|access-date=29 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711003450/https://www.pm.gov.au/media/hunter-class-defending-australia-and-securing-our-shipbuilding-sovereignty|archive-date=11 July 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Royal Australian Navy]] will procure six {{sclass|Hunter|frigate|2}}<nowiki/>s which will be constructed by [[BAE Systems Australia]] at [[ASC Pty Ltd|ASC's]] shipyard in [[Osborne, South Australia]].<ref name=AUS>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/british-frigate-program-to-seed-australia-s-own-warship-industry-turnbull-says-20180628-p4zofd.html|title=British frigate program to seed Australia's own warship industry, Turnbull says|last=Wroe|first=David|date=28 June 2018|work=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=28 June 2018|archive-date=28 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628142826/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/british-frigate-program-to-seed-australia-s-own-warship-industry-turnbull-says-20180628-p4zofd.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 8 February 2019, the Canadian government awarded [[Lockheed Martin Canada]] a C$185&nbsp;million contract to design a fleet of up to 15 warships based on the Type 26 (the [[Canadian Surface Combatant]]), with a total program cost of $60&nbsp;billion. The amount of the contract will increase as the design work increases. The initial design contract is with [[Irving Shipbuilding]] of [[Halifax, Nova Scotia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/ottawa-awards-design-contract-for-60-billion-warship-fleet-to-lockheed-martin-1.4288286|title=Ottawa awards design contract for $60-billion warship fleet to Lockheed Martin|work=CTV News|access-date=8 February 2019|date=8 February 2019|archive-date=9 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209231057/https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/ottawa-awards-design-contract-for-60-billion-warship-fleet-to-lockheed-martin-1.4288286|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Development==
===Future Surface Combatant===
The Global Combat Ship started development under the original Future Surface Combatant (FSC) programme intended to replace the Royal Navy's [[Type 22 frigate|Type 22]] and Type 23 frigates. Planning for a replacement escort vessel started in 1998 with the ordering of a research vessel, {{ship|RV|Triton}}, to study whether a [[trimaran]] design was practical for such a large and complex vessel. More conventional designs however, were ultimately preferred. In March 2005, plans were released for a two-class solution, a cheaper "Medium Sized Vessel Derivative" entering service in 2016–19 and a more capable "Versatile Surface Combatant" entering service around 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200405/cmhansrd/vo050316/text/50316w05.htm |title=House of Commons Hansard&nbsp;— Written Answers for 16 Mar 2005: Column 265W |date=16 March 2005 |work=Hansard |publisher=House of Commons |access-date=26 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605024926/http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200405/cmhansrd/vo050316/text/50316w05.htm |archive-date=5 June 2011 }}</ref>

In early 2006 the MoD started a Sustained Surface Combatant Capability (S2C2) programme which explored synergies between the FSC and other needs, for [[minesweeper]]s, patrol ships and [[survey ship]]s. By early 2007 this had crystallised into the three requirements; C1, C2 and C3. The C1 was to be an anti-submarine warfare task group-enabled platform and would displace around 6,000 tonnes. C2 was to be a more general purpose platform displacing somewhere in the region of 4–5,000 tonnes, and C3 was to be a Global Corvette to replace a larger number of smaller vessels in service, such as minesweepers, patrol and survey ships. The Global Corvette was to displace around 2–3,000 tonnes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200910/cmhansrd/cm100312/text/100312w0001.htm |title=House of Commons Written Answers: Defence |date=12 March 2010 |work=Hansard |publisher=House of Commons |access-date=26 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819061343/http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200910/cmhansrd/cm100312/text/100312w0001.htm |archive-date=19 August 2012 }}</ref>

The C3 concept began in early 2004 when the MoD issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a smaller class of ship known as the Global Corvette. Low running costs and the ability to operate forward in shallow, coastal areas where larger ships cannot were both important. [[BAE Systems]], [[VT Group]], [[Thales Group|Thales]] and [[Rolls-Royce plc|Rolls-Royce]] responded in the autumn of 2004 with concepts ranging from a well-equipped Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of 1,500 tonnes to an advanced and very capable "corvette" of 3,000 tonnes, along the lines of the USN's [[Littoral Combat Ship]] programme (LCS).

The FSC concept was brought forward in the 2008 budget, at the expense of options for two [[Type 45 destroyer]]s not being taken up (ships 7 and 8).<ref>{{cite report|url=http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/31D096E9-3F41-4633-BEA2-AE62CF97C3AE/0/annrptvol1_200708.pdf |title=Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts Volume I including the Annual Performance Report and Consolidated Departmental Resource Accounts |work=Ministry of Defence |publisher=HM Government |date=21 July 2008 |id=HC 850-I |isbn=978-0-10-295509-5 |access-date=26 July 2011 |page=98 |quote=Six of these highly advanced and capable ships have been ordered, but following the 2008 planning round we no longer intend to place orders for any further Type 45 destroyers. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607224042/http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/31D096E9-3F41-4633-BEA2-AE62CF97C3AE/0/annrptvol1_200708.pdf |archive-date=7 June 2011 }}</ref> In 2009 BAE Systems received a contract to design the C1 and C2 frigates with a planned 25-year life. A total of 18 vessels (10 C1 and 8 C2) were planned to enter service from 2020, at a pace of roughly one per year.<ref name=portsmouthnews>{{cite news |url=http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/biz/Across-the-ocean-come-jobs.5851020.jp |title=Across the ocean come jobs&nbsp;– with the warship that's a vision of future |date=23 November 2009 |newspaper=Portsmouth "The News" |access-date=26 July 2011}}</ref> In early 2010 the C3 variant was dropped in favour of the Mine Countermeasures, Hydrography and Patrol Capability (MHPC) programme.

===Global Combat Ship===
Official mention of the Future Surface Combatant had all but disappeared by 2010, and on 25 March of that year, BAE Systems were given a four-year, £127&nbsp;million contract by the Ministry of Defence to fully design a new class of warship, the "Global Combat Ship", previously C1 of the FSC. Expectations at the time were for the first ship to be "in service" by 2021.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2010/03/25/clyde-shipyard-jobs-secured-as-bae-systems-land-127m-contract-to-help-design-new-frigate-for-royal-navy-86908-22138056/ |title=Clyde shipyard jobs secured as BAE Systems land £127m contract to help design new frigate for Royal Navy |newspaper=Daily Record |location=Glasgow |date=25 March 2010 |access-date=26 July 2011 |archive-date=9 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609174852/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2010/03/25/clyde-shipyard-jobs-secured-as-bae-systems-land-127m-contract-to-help-design-new-frigate-for-royal-navy-86908-22138056/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8587060.stm |title=BAE wins £127m contract to design Navy warship |work=BBC |date=25 March 2010 |access-date=26 July 2011 |archive-date=29 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829210049/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8587060.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Strategic Defence and Security Review 2010|October 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review]] (SDSR) reaffirmed the government's commitment to the Global Combat Ship, saying; "As soon as possible after 2020 the Type 23 will be replaced by Type 26 frigates, designed to be easily adapted to change roles and capabilities depending on the strategic circumstances".<ref name="SDSR">{{cite web|url=http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_191634.pdf |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121015000000/http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_191634.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 October 2012 |title=Securing Britain in an Age of Uncertainty: The Strategic Defence and Security Review |work=HM Government |date=October 2010 |access-date=26 July 2011 }}</ref> As part of the defence review it was also announced that the remaining Type 22 frigates would be decommissioned without replacement, reducing the Royal Navy's escort fleet from 23 destroyers and frigates to 19 (6 Type 45 destroyers and 13 Type 23 frigates).<ref name="SDSR"/>

BAE Systems' original working baseline for the Global Combat Ship design was a vessel 141 metres long with a displacement of 6,850 tonnes and a range of 7,000 nautical miles at 18 knots.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navalshipbuilding.co.uk/navalship_warships.asp?ID=WAR0& |title=Type 26 |work=navalshipbuilding.co.uk |date=30 March 2010 |access-date=15 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006104449/http://www.navalshipbuilding.co.uk/navalship_warships.asp?ID=WAR0& |archive-date=6 October 2016 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> On 30 November 2010 however, it was reported that the specifications had been pared down, in effort to reduce the cost from £500M to £250–350M per ship. Subsequently, new specification details began to emerge of a smaller 5,400 tonne ship emphasising flexibility and modularity.<ref name=AW20110510>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/jsp_includes/articlePrint.jsp?headLine=null&storyID=news/dti/2011/05/01/DT_05_01_2011_p31-314657.xml |title=Changing Needs Influence Warship Design |date= 10 May 2011 |first1=Bill |last1=Sweetman |first2=Andy |last2=Nativi |first3=Francis |last3=Tusa |first4=David |last4=Eshel |magazine=Aviation Week |access-date=19 May 2011}}</ref>

Unlike the FSC, the Global Combat Ship has only one hull design. Like the Franco-Italian family of [[FREMM multipurpose frigate]]s however, three versions are proposed for export: a design optimised for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), an [[anti-aircraft warfare]] (AAW) variant and a general purpose (GP) variant.<ref name="RUSI Publication">{{cite web |title= The Type 26 Global Combat Ship – A Renaissance Warship? |publisher= RUSI |date= June 2012 |url= https://www.rusi.org/downloads/assets/RDS_201206_Willett.pdf/ |access-date= 12 August 2014 }}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="Article in Naval Technology">{{cite web |title= Type 26 Global Combat Ship (GCS) Programme |publisher= Naval Technology |year= 2014 |url= http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/global-combat-ship-gcs-programme/ |access-date= 11 August 2014 |archive-date= 31 October 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201031141035/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/global-combat-ship-gcs-programme/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

Although a decision was made in November 2010 to reduce the specifications and capability requirements of the Global Combat Ship design, BAE Systems' design concepts by 2014 had returned to their original working baseline of a large 6,900 tonne warship.<ref name=BAE/> In February 2015, the MoD and BAE Systems signed a £859&nbsp;million contract to continue development and progress towards manufacturing.<ref>{{cite news | title = MoD signs £859m Type 26 warship development deal | work = [[BBC News Online]] | date = 20 February 2015 | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-31554494 | access-date = 22 February 2015 | archive-date = 22 February 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150222042405/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-31554494 | url-status = live }}</ref> A 12-month demonstration phase began on 1 April 2015 and, after a 12-month extension in March 2016, was scheduled to be completed in June 2017.<ref name="Jane's Fighting Ships">{{cite web |url=https://janes.ihs.com/Janes/Display/1501035|title=Type 26 class |publisher=IHS Jane's |date=16 November 2016 |access-date=21 March 2017}}</ref>

Primarily due to the costs of the ship, the 2015 [[Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015|Strategic Defence and Security Review]] reduced the planned procurement of Type 26 vessels from 13 ships to 8. The resulting gap would now be filled by a new class of cheaper frigate designated [[Type 31 frigate|Type 31]].

On 2 July 2017, BAE Systems announced it had been awarded a c£3.7&nbsp;billion contract by the UK MoD to manufacture the first three Type 26 ships. The statement said that steel would be cut for the first ship in Glasgow "in the coming weeks."<ref name="BAE Systems"/>
In September 2015, the programme cost was estimated at £11.5&nbsp;billion, for what was then assumed to be for 13 Global Combat Ships.<ref>[http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense-news/2015/09/25/ballpark-cost-revealed-royal-navy-frigates/72796134/ Ballpark Cost Revealed For Royal Navy Frigates], defensenews.com, 25 September 2015</ref> The cost for the current eight ships was quoted as £8&nbsp;billion in 2016.<ref name="DSC2016">{{cite web|title=Commons Select Committee (Defence) – Naval Procurement: Type 26 and Type 45, 20 July 2016|url=http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/defence-committee/naval-procurement-type-26-and-type-45/oral/35261.html|website=parliament.uk|publisher=House of Commons|access-date=3 August 2016|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513132314/http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/defence-committee/naval-procurement-type-26-and-type-45/oral/35261.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Three ships were ordered in 2017 for £3.7&nbsp;billion.<ref name="BAE Systems"/>
In July 2021 it was revealed in response to a Parliamentary question that it was intended that the Type 26 frigate would be equipped with a new Future Cruise/Anti-ship Weapon from 2028.<ref>{{cite web |date=8 July 2021 |url=http://qnadailyreport.blob.core.windows.net/qnadailyreportxml/Written-Questions-Answers-Statements-Daily-Report-Commons-2021-07-08.pdf#page14 |title=House of Commons Daily Report |publisher=[[House of Commons of the United Kingdom]] |pages=14–15 |access-date=10 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709143343/http://qnadailyreport.blob.core.windows.net/qnadailyreportxml/Written-Questions-Answers-Statements-Daily-Report-Commons-2021-07-08.pdf#page14 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Partnerships==
The Global Combat Ship has been designed from the outset with export in mind. During a [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]] debate on 31 January 2011, it was revealed that [[Australia]], [[Malaysia]], [[New Zealand]], and [[Turkey]] had all expressed interest in collaborating on the Global Combat Ship.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110131/debtext/110131-0001.htm#1101318000018 |title=House of Commons: Debates |date=31 January 2011 |work=Hansard |publisher=House of Commons |accessdate=19 May 2011}}</ref>

===Australia===
{{main|Hunter-class frigate}}
The governments of the United Kingdom and Australia had previously been exploring the potential for cooperation on the C1 and C3 designs of the Future Surface Combatant, which corresponded closely to the [[Royal Australian Navy]]'s [[Procurement programme of the Royal Australian Navy#Surface combatants|requirements in replacing]] its {{sclass|Anzac|frigate}}s with a new class of frigate.<ref>{{cite news |title=UK, Australia begin talks on future ship projects |last=Scott |first=Richard |date=22 January 2010 |work=Jane's Defence Weekly |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}</ref> The two countries signed a defence cooperation treaty in January 2013 and Australia pledged cooperation on the Global Combat Ship design in order to investigate its suitability for their own procurement programme.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-18/u-k-australia-pledge-cooperation-on-bae-frigate-design.html | title=.U.K., Australia Pledge Cooperation on BAE Frigate Design | first=Kitty | last=Donaldson | date=18 January 2013 | publisher=Bloomberg | access-date=7 March 2017 | archive-date=9 January 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109154716/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-18/u-k-australia-pledge-cooperation-on-bae-frigate-design.html | url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2016, [[Prime Minister of Australia|Prime Minister]] [[Malcolm Turnbull]] confirmed that the Global Combat Ship was one of three designs shortlisted for the replacement of the ''Anzac''-class frigates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-18/offshore-patrol-vessels-to-be-built-in-adelaide-pm-says/7334906|title=Malcolm Turnbull says 12 offshore patrol vessels to be built in Adelaide|last=Anderson|first=Stephanie|date=18 April 2016|website=ABC News|publisher=ABC News (Australia)|access-date=18 April 2016|archive-date=19 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419112746/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-18/offshore-patrol-vessels-to-be-built-in-adelaide-pm-says/7334906|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2016 the Australian government awarded BAE Systems a contract to further refine the design of the Type 26 Global Combat Ship for the Royal Australian Navy under the [[Hunter-class frigate|SEA 5000]] (Future Frigate) programme.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://navaltoday.com/2016/09/04/bae-systems-told-to-refine-type-26-design-for-new-australian-frigates/|title=BAE Systems told to refine Type 26 design for new Australian frigates|date=1 September 2016|website=navaltoday.com|access-date=9 May 2017|archive-date=20 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520180515/http://navaltoday.com/2016/09/04/bae-systems-told-to-refine-type-26-design-for-new-australian-frigates/|url-status=live}}</ref> Australia issued a request for tenders (RFT) in support of the programme in late March 2017. The programme is valued at AUD35&nbsp;billion (US$26.25&nbsp;billion).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://janes.ihs.com/Janes/Display/FG_541692-JDW|title=BAE Systems boosts Type 26 bid for Australia|date=4 July 2017|website=janes.ihs.com|publisher=Jane's Defence Weekly|access-date=4 July 2017|archive-date=24 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024235810/https://customer.janes.com/portal/Account/PreAuthenticate?callingurl=https%3A%2F%2Fcustomer.janes.com%2FJanes%2FDisplay%2FFG_541692-JDW|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 10 August 2017 BAE Systems announced it had submitted its bid for the SEA 5000 programme.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baesystems.com/en-aus/article/bae-systems-submits-bid-for-sea-5000|title=BAE Systems submits bid for SEA 5000|date=10 August 2017|website=baesystems.com|publisher=BAE Systems|access-date=31 August 2017|archive-date=31 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831175207/http://www.baesystems.com/en-aus/article/bae-systems-submits-bid-for-sea-5000|url-status=live}}</ref> Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced in June 2018 that BAE had won the contract and Australia would build nine units of a modified version of the Type 26 concept vessel in [[Adelaide]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/australias-26-billion-warship-deal-goes-to-britains-bae-1530190803|title=Australia's $26 Billion Warship Deal Goes to Britain's BAE|last=Taylor|first=Rob|date=28 June 2018|website=Wall Street Journal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628142826/https://www.wsj.com/articles/australias-26-billion-warship-deal-goes-to-britains-bae-1530190803|archive-date=28 June 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=28 June 2018}}</ref>

On 20 February 2024 the Australian government announced the ''Hunter'' class order will be reduced from nine to six ships.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allison |first=George |date=2024-02-20 |title=Type 26 Frigate purchase reduced by Australia |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/type-26-frigate-purchase-reduced-by-australia/ |access-date=2024-04-11 |language=en-GB}}</ref> Another class of 11 new general-purpose frigates would be selected to serve alongside the ''Hunter'' class.

===Canada===
{{main|River-class destroyer (2030s)}}

During the House of Commons debate of 31 January 2011, it was also disclosed that the Canadian government was interested in collaborating on the Global Combat Ship and that the UK and Canada were in "close discussion".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110131/debtext/110131-0001.htm#1101318000018 |work=House of Commons: Debates |title=Defence Exports |date=31 January 2011  |publisher=UK Parliament |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-date=1 June 2011 |author=The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Gerald Howarth) |at=Column 575 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110601225648/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110131/debtext/110131-0001.htm#1101318000018 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, a Canadian union campaigned that the Global Combat Ship threatened Canadian shipbuilders, and in the run-up to the [[2011 Canadian federal election|May 2011 election]] a spokesman for [[Peter MacKay]], at the time Canadian Defence Minister, ruled out involvement with the British programme.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa-won-t-be-working-with-u-k-on-building-warships-1.615318 |title=Ottawa won't be working with U.K. on building warships |work=CTV News |date=6 March 2011 |access-date=26 July 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831114700/http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Canada/20110306/warships-uk-canada-110306 |archive-date=31 August 2011}}</ref> Turkey also later rejected the design in 2012 as not meeting its requirements.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/lockheed-martin-sole-bidder-left-for-frigates.aspx?pageID=238&nID=21199&NewsCatID=345 |newspaper=Hurriyet Daily News |first=Özgür |last=Ekşi |title=Lockheed Martin sole bidder left for frigates |date=21 May 2012 |access-date=7 July 2012 |archive-date=7 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107034334/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/lockheed-martin-sole-bidder-left-for-frigates.aspx?pageID=238&nID=21199&NewsCatID=345 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Although Canada had previously ruled out partnership with the British programme, in May 2016 [[Jane's Information Group|IHS Janes]] reported that the Global Combat Ship was still one of the contenders for the [[Single Class Surface Combatant Project|Canadian Surface Combatant]] requirement.<ref>{{cite news|title=GCS sets course for Canada [CANSEC2016D2]|url=http://www.janes.com/article/60719/gcs-sets-course-for-canada-cansec2016d2|access-date=26 May 2016|work=IHS Janes|date=28 May 2016|last=Donald|first=David|archive-date=27 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527134505/http://www.janes.com/article/60719/gcs-sets-course-for-canada-cansec2016d2|url-status=live}}</ref> Indeed, in November 2017, a [[Lockheed Martin]]-led consortium put forward their "CSC Proposal", based on the Type 26 design by BAE Systems, for the [[Royal Canadian Navy]]'s future frigate project.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lockheed Martin Details its Canadian Surface Combatant Proposal|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2017/november-2017-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/5755-lockheed-martin-details-its-canadian-surface-combatant-proposal.html|access-date=29 November 2017|work=Navy Recognition|date=28 November 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201035856/https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2017/november-2017-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/5755-lockheed-martin-details-its-canadian-surface-combatant-proposal.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 19 October 2018 it was announced that BAE-Lockheed Martin was selected as the 'preferred' bidder in the Canadian Surface Combatant programme and that the Canadian government would begin negotiations to award a contract for 15 ships worth CAD$60&nbsp;billion with BAE and [[Lockheed Martin Canada]], the primary contractors. The preferred bid beat out offers from Alion Science and Technology and their proposal based on the Dutch [[De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate|''De Zeven Provinciën'' air defence and command]] (LCF) frigate and [[Navantia]]/Saab/CEA Technologies with their proposal based on the Spanish Navy [[Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate|F-105 frigate]].<ref name="CAN01">{{cite web|url=https://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/type-26-named-as-the-design-for-canadas-future-warship/amp|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20181221010804/https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/type-26-named-as-the-design-for-canadas-future-warship|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 December 2018|title=Type 26 named as the design for Canadas future warship|work=Ottawa Citizen|date=19 October 2018|access-date=19 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Lockheed Martin selected as preferred designer for Canada's next generation of warships|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/frigate-designer-canada-defence-1.4869268|access-date=19 October 2018|work=CBC News|archive-date=22 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322082850/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/frigate-designer-canada-defence-1.4869268|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 21 November 2018 Alion Science and Technology asked the Federal Court for a judicial review of the decision, claiming the winning bid was "incapable of meeting three critical mandatory requirements" of the design tender, including the mandatory speed requirements set by the Royal Canadian Navy.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/frigate-ship-decision-challenged-1.4915501?cmp=rss|title=Frigate design decision challenged in Federal Court, putting $60B program in limbo|work=CBC News|access-date=22 November 2018|archive-date=21 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121234936/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/frigate-ship-decision-challenged-1.4915501?cmp=rss|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 27 November 2018, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) ordered the Government to postpone the finalising of the deal to purchase the ships, while the complaint from Alion was investigated. On 11 December 2018, the CITT gave the government a green light to proceed with the Lockheed contract, but its inquiry into the compliance of the Type 26 with Canada's requirements continued.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/government-gets-ok-to-give-60b-warship-contract-to-lockheed-martin-as-trade-tribunal-backtracks|title=Government gets OK to give warship contract to Lockheed Martin as trade tribunal backtracks|work=National Post|date=11 December 2018|access-date=26 December 2018|last1=Pugliese |first1=David }}</ref> The Tribunal dismissed the case entirely in February 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/politics/trade-tribunal-tosses-u-s-firm-s-complaint-about-warship-design-competition-1.4279263|title=Trade tribunal tosses U.S. firm's complaint about warship-design competition|work=CTV News|date=1 February 2019|access-date=8 February 2019|archive-date=9 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209000439/https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/politics/trade-tribunal-tosses-u-s-firm-s-complaint-about-warship-design-competition-1.4279263|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Canadian Surface Combatant design contract was signed on 7 February 2019 by the Liberal government. The design contract with Irving and the Lockheed Martin-BAE consortium was negotiated in near record time, taking only three months.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/liberals-rush-to-sign-canadian-surface-combatant-contract-deal-expected-to-be-signed-by-friday#:~:text=The%20Canadian%20Surface%20Combatant%20contract,yard%20in%20Halifax%20on%20Friday |title=Liberals sign Canadian Surface Combatant contract- deal to be announced Friday |work=Ottawa Citizen |first=David |last=Pugliese |date=7 February 2019 |access-date=21 June 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/amd-dp/mer-sea/sncn-nss/navcom-surfcom-eng.html#a4 |title=Canadian surface combatant |date=3 May 2019 |publisher=Government of Canada |access-date=21 June 2021 |archive-date=21 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121023708/https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/amd-dp/mer-sea/sncn-nss/navcom-surfcom-eng.html#a4 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 28 June 2024, the construction of production test modules for the first three ships began, with the new ships designated as the River class; the names of the first three ships were also announced as HMCS ''Fraser'', HMCS ''Saint-Laurent'' and HMCS ''Mackenzie''. The ships were to be rated as "destroyers" in the RCN. Full rate production was expected to begin in 2025 with the first ship planned for service entry in the early 2030s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2024/06/construction-begins-for-canadas-new-warship-fleet--the-river-class-destroyers.html |title=Construction Begins for Canada’s New Warship Fleet – the River Class Destroyers |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=28 June 2024 |website=Government of Canada |publisher=Department for National Defense |access-date=28 June 2024 |quote=}}</ref>

==Possible partnerships==

===Brazil===
In September 2010, the British and [[Brazil]]ian governments reached a defence agreement, including the potential sale of five or six Global Combat Ships to the [[Brazilian Navy]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/3d6adeb4-bf6a-11df-965a-00144feab49a,s01=1.html?ftcamp=rss |title=Brazil defence deal raises BAE contract hopes |first=Carola |last=Hoyos |newspaper=Financial Times |date=13 September 2010 |access-date=26 July 2011 |archive-date=7 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007192701/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/3d6adeb4-bf6a-11df-965a-00144feab49a,s01=1.html?ftcamp=rss |url-status=live }}</ref> The following month, BAE Systems formally made a detailed proposal to the Brazilian Navy, for a package including the Global Combat Ship as well as variants of the [[Wave-class tanker]] and [[River-class patrol vessel]].<ref name=DID>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Britains-Future-Frigates-06268/ |title=Britain's Future Frigates |work=Defense Industry Daily |access-date=28 October 2010 |archive-date=4 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204170438/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Britains-Future-Frigates-06268/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Norway===
On 15 April 2024, ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' reported that Norway, which had a plan to purchase at least five frigates, was a potential customer for the Type 26 frigate. However, as Norway was reportedly seeking at least one frigate by 2029, the article stated that this would require the Royal Navy to sell one of its early-stage hulls, as BAE is committed to deliver the Type 26 to the UK first. The MoD confirmed that it was involved in discussions about the issue but that no decisions had been made.<ref>{{cite news |title=BAE pushes to delay Royal Navy frigate to prioritise Norway deal |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/04/15/bae-pushes-to-delay-royal-navy-frigate-to-prioritise-norway/ |access-date=15 April 2024 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=15 April 2024}}</ref>

==Characteristics==
{{see also|Type 997 Artisan radar|CAMM (missile family)|Sonar 2087}}

The Global Combat Ship is designed with modularity and flexibility in mind to enhance versatility across the full range of operations, including maritime security, counter-piracy, counter-terrorist and humanitarian and disaster relief operations. The adaptable design will facilitate through-life support, ensuring upgrades can easily be undertaken as technology develops.<ref name=BAE />
{{As of|2017}}, BAE Systems' website suggests a displacement of 6,900 tonnes, a length of {{convert|149.9|m|ft|abbr=on}} a beam of {{convert|20.8|m|ft|abbr=on}} and a top speed in excess of {{convert|26|kn|km/h}}. The Global Combat Ship will have a core crew of 157 with room for a total of 208.<ref name=BAE>{{cite web|work=Global Combat Ship|url=http://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/product/global-combat-ship|title=Products – Global Combat Ship|author=BAE Systems|access-date=9 March 2017|archive-date=23 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423101306/http://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/product/global-combat-ship|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Global Combat Ship is designed for up to 60 days' endurance and a range of approximately {{convert|7000|nmi|km|lk=in|-3}}.<ref name=BAE /> Located at the stern are facilities allowing for the deployment of rigid-hulled inflatable boats, unmanned surface vehicles or a towed array sonar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/global-combat-ship-gcs-programme/|title=Type 26 Global Combat Ship (GCS) Programme|work=Naval Technology|access-date=10 December 2015|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031141035/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/global-combat-ship-gcs-programme/|url-status=live}}</ref> A large Integrated Mission Bay and hangar is located amidship, enabling a variety of missions and associated equipment.<ref name=BAE/> Aircraft similar in size to the [[Boeing Chinook (UK variants)|Boeing Chinook]] can be flown off the large flight deck, and the hangar can accommodate up to two helicopters the size of an [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat]] or [[AgustaWestland AW101#Royal Navy|AgustaWestland Merlin]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/SurfaceShips/PlatformsandProgrammes/GlobalCombatShip/index.htm |title=Global Combat Ship&nbsp;— Capabilities |work=BAE Systems |year=2011 |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-date=3 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203064331/https://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/SurfaceShips/PlatformsandProgrammes/GlobalCombatShip/index.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The hangar also has space to accommodate [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s.

The Royal Navy's version of the Global Combat Ship is referred to as the Type 26 frigate. This will be equipped with the [[Type 997 Artisan 3D]] search radar and [[CAMM (missile family)|Sea Ceptor]] (CAMM) air-defence missiles launched via 48 [[vertical launching system]] (VLS) canisters. Following a renovation of the Royal Navy's website in mid-2023 the section outlining the Type 26's weapon suite refers to Sea Ceptor being quad-packed into a separate 12-cell vertical launch system, seemingly indicate of an Extensible Launching System (ExLS) outfit for the same number of missiles, however there has been no official information outside of the website to confirm any such change.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Royal Navy |date=17 April 2024 |title=City Class |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/equipment/ships/city-class |access-date=17 April 2024 |website=Royal Navy}}</ref>  Additionally, 24 [[Mark 41 Vertical Launching System|Mark 41]] "strike-length VLS" cells are positioned forward of the bridge. On 8 July 2021, it was confirmed that the Anglo-French-Italian [[Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon|Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon(s)]] would be brought into service on the Type 26,<ref name=Hansard /> which is likely to be launched from the Mark 41 VLS. The Mark 41 is also capable of firing missiles such as the [[Tomahawk (missile family)|Tomahawk]] land-attack cruise missile, anti-submarine rockets, or quad-packed [[RIM-162 ESSM|ESSMs]].<ref name="The Drive Canada Type 26"/>

Like the Type 23 frigate it will replace, the Global Combat Ship will have an acoustically quiet hull for anti-submarine warfare and fitted with an [[Ultra Electronics]] Type 2150 next-generation bow sonar and a powerful Sonar 2087 towed array.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_10_15_2012_p17-501122.xml | title=Low Risk, Flexibility Drive Type 26 Design | first=Bill | last=Sweetman | newspaper=Aviation Week & Space Technology | date=15 October 2012 | access-date=24 October 2021 | archive-date=13 October 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013154215/http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=%2Farticle-xml%2FAW_10_15_2012_p17-501122.xml | url-status=live }}</ref> The Global Combat Ship will also be fitted with guns of various calibres. Instead of the RN's current [[4.5-inch Mark 8 naval gun]], the Global Combat Ship will be equipped with a NATO-standard BAE [[5"/54 caliber Mark 45 gun|5-inch, 62-calibre Mark 45 naval gun]]. Smaller guns include two [[Phalanx CIWS]], two [[30mm DS30M Mark 2 Automated Small Calibre Gun]]s and a number of [[minigun]]s and [[general-purpose machine gun]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=108|title=Type 26 Frigate – Global Combat Ship|author=Administrator|website=www.navyrecognition.com|access-date=10 December 2015|date=30 September 2011|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053931/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=108|url-status=live}}</ref> On 26 March 2024, it was announced that [[Seagnat|Sea Gnat]] fixed decoy launching system would be replaced across the entire Royal Navy's escort fleet with SEA's Ancilia trainable decoy launcher including on the Type 26 following a £135 million contract. A pair of launchers will be mounted to the deck and will each provide twelve ready rounds of Infrared seduction decoys and radio frequency distraction decoys to defeat missile threats and possibly the ability to launch [[Martlet (missile)|Martlet]] missiles in the future.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-29 |title=Royal Navy to equip 19 ships with trainable decoy launchers {{!}} Navy Lookout |url=https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navy-to-equip-19-ships-with-trainable-decoy-launchers/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=www.navylookout.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Naval News |date=2024-03-26 |title=Royal Navy Selects SEA's Ancilia Decoy Launching System |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/03/royal-navy-selects-seas-ancilia-decoy-launching-system/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}</ref>

The propulsion system of the RN ships will have a gas turbine direct drive and four high speed diesel generators driving two electric motors in a combined diesel-electric or gas (CODLOG) configuration.<ref name="NR20130110">{{cite web |date=10 January 2013 |title=Q&A with BAE Systems on Type 26 Frigate Design Update at Euronaval 2012 |url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=828 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121123946/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=828 |archive-date=21 January 2013 |access-date=20 January 2013 |website=www.navyrecognition.com |location=Belgium}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2014-news/july-2014-navy-naval-forces-maritime-industry-technology-security-global-news/1870-ge-to-power-and-propel-type-26-frigates-with-high-efficiency-low-noise-electrical-drive-systems.html |website=www.navyrecognition.com |title=GE to Power and Propel Type 26 Frigates with High-Efficiency, Low-Noise Electrical Drive Systems |date=2 July 2014 |access-date=2 July 2014 |archive-date=10 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710031938/http://navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2014-news/july-2014-navy-naval-forces-maritime-industry-technology-security-global-news/1870-ge-to-power-and-propel-type-26-frigates-with-high-efficiency-low-noise-electrical-drive-systems.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2012 Rolls-Royce repackaged the [[Rolls-Royce MT30|MT30]] used in the {{sclass|Queen Elizabeth|aircraft carrier|1}}s so that it would fit into smaller ships.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120823/DEFREG01/308230004/Process-Begins-Equip-Royal-Navy-8217-s-Type-26-Frigate | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130220015716/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120823/DEFREG01/308230004/Process-Begins-Equip-Royal-Navy-8217-s-Type-26-Frigate | url-status=dead | archive-date=20 February 2013 | title=Process Begins to Equip Royal Navy's Type 26 Frigate | date=23 August 2012 | first=Andrew | last=Chuter |newspaper=Defense News}}</ref> The MT30 will be used in the Type 26.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/yr-2016/pr-2016-02-01a-rr-completes-factory-acceptance-test-for-first-gas-turbine.aspx|title=Rolls-Royce completes factory acceptance test for first gas turbine for Royal Navy's Type 26 Global Combat Ship|publisher=Rolls-Royce|access-date=11 March 2017|archive-date=27 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427190435/http://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/yr-2016/pr-2016-02-01a-rr-completes-factory-acceptance-test-for-first-gas-turbine.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> BAE Systems has suggested that some customers will install gas turbine engines and others will prefer to sacrifice 2–3 knots of speed by choosing cheaper diesel engines.<ref name=AW20110510 /> The CODLOG configuration for propulsion is a simpler version of the [[Combined diesel-electric and gas]] (CODLAG) propulsion used on the Type 23 which this ship is to replace, and both of the Global Combat Ship's design contemporaries – the ''Queen Elizabeth''-class aircraft carrier and the Type 45 destroyer – use [[integrated electric propulsion]] (IEP).

== Construction ==
[[File:HMS_Glasgow_under_construction_in_Govan.jpg|thumb|left|HMS ''Glasgow'' under construction in June 2021]]
The first steel for the first three of eight Royal Navy ships was cut on 20 July 2017.<ref name="bbc.co.uk"/> BAE Systems announced the award of the Type 26's first seven equipment manufacturing contracts in July 2015, these worth in excess of £170&nbsp;million. Contracts were awarded to [[Babcock International]] for the ship's air weapons handling system; [[David Brown Ltd.|David Brown Gear Systems Ltd]] for the propulsion gearbox and the test facility; GE Power Conversion for the electric propulsion motor and drive system and testing facility; Raytheon Anschütz for the integrated navigation and bridge system including customer-specific design and development, a land-based integration facility, and a wide range of services; Rolls-Royce Power Engineering for the [[gas turbine]]; Rohde & Schwarz UK Ltd for the communications systems; WR Davis of Canada for the uptakes and downtakes of the ship's [[funnel]] and [[exhaust system]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.baesystems.com/en/article/uk-type-26-programme-powers-ahead|title=BAE Systems has awarded the first equipment manufacturing contracts for the Type 26 Global Combat Ships, worth in excess of £170m|work=BAE Systems|date=6 July 2015|access-date=7 April 2017|archive-date=7 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407233528/http://www.baesystems.com/en/article/uk-type-26-programme-powers-ahead|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.raytheon-anschuetz.com/news/news-detail/?tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=59&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bday%5D=5&tx_news_pi1%5Bmonth%5D=8&tx_news_pi1%5Byear%5D=2015&cHash=de652aed98f54e7ffce9cf0b96cd7abc |title=Raytheon Anschütz to provide integrated bridge systems for new UK Royal Navy Ship |publisher=Raytheon Anschütz |date=5 August 2015 |access-date=16 January 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118151636/http://www.raytheon-anschuetz.com/news/news-detail/?tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=59&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bday%5D=5&tx_news_pi1%5Bmonth%5D=8&tx_news_pi1%5Byear%5D=2015&cHash=de652aed98f54e7ffce9cf0b96cd7abc |archive-date=18 January 2017 }}</ref>

In December 2016, BAE Systems announced the award of six additional Type 26 equipment manufacturing contracts with Detegase of Spain for sewage and water treatment, Salt Separation Services for desalination equipment, [[Johnson Controls]] for chilled water plants, Marine Systems Technology Ltd for gas-, weather-, and water-tight doors, hatches, and Rolls-Royce for stabilisers and steering components. Also awarded a contract was Pellegrini Marine Equipments of Italy. These awards brought to £380&nbsp;million the total investment in the supply chain for the Type 26.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.baesystems.com/en-ca/article/further-suppliers-come-aboard-uk-type-26-programme |title=Further suppliers come aboard UK Type 26 Programme |publisher=BAE Systems |date=7 December 2016 |access-date=11 April 2017 |archive-date=11 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111210944/http://www.baesystems.com/en-ca/article/further-suppliers-come-aboard-uk-type-26-programme |url-status=live }}</ref>

According to Gary McCloskey, head of Type 26 supply chain at BAE Systems, by March 2017 between 40 and 50 suppliers were engaged in the Type 26 programme, and about 33 had full contracts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.contracts.mod.uk/do-features-and-articles/bae-systems-engaging-the-type-26-supply-chain/ |title=BAE Systems engaging the Type 26 supply chain. The supply chains for a modern warship are complex and call for careful management, as defence writer Mark Lane discovers talking to BAE Systems' Gary McCloskey. |work=Defence Contracts Online |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=7 April 2017 |date=3 March 2017 |archive-date=7 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407233307/https://www.contracts.mod.uk/do-features-and-articles/bae-systems-engaging-the-type-26-supply-chain/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 5 April 2017 Raytheon Anschütz announced successful integration of Warship Electronic Chart Display Information System ([[WECDIS]]) into their Integrated Navigation and Bridge Systems (INBS) for the Type 26.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2017/april-2017-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/5071-raytheon-anschuetz-integrates-wecdis-in-uk-type-26-global-combat-ship-program.html|title=Raytheon Anschütz integrates WECDIS in UK Type 26 Global Combat Ship Program|website=www.navyrecognition.com|date=5 April 2017|access-date=6 April 2017|archive-date=7 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407061215/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2017/april-2017-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/5071-raytheon-anschuetz-integrates-wecdis-in-uk-type-26-global-combat-ship-program.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2017 BAE Systems stated that the Type 26 programme currently employs more than 1,200 people in the UK supply chain, and in the future, the programme would secure more than 3,400 jobs across BAE Systems and the wider UK maritime supply chain.<ref name="BAE Systems"/> It was also stated in July 2017, coinciding with the announcement of additional contracts, total investment in the Type 26 supply chain had reached £500&nbsp;million. The 14 companies awarded contracts in the July announcement include Babcock for the helicopter landing grid, MSI Defence Systems for the small calibre gun, and Thales for the towed array system. The largest of the July-announced contracts are for the procurement of structural steel for the first three ships from UK and European steel mills by Dent Steel Services Ltd.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/article/550-uk-jobs-sustained-by-type-26-global-combat-ship-contract-awards|title=Manufacturing equipment contracts awarded, supporting around 550 jobs across the UK maritime industry. Bringing the total investment in the supply chain to more than £500m.|work=BAE Systems|access-date=13 August 2017|archive-date=13 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813183218/http://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/article/550-uk-jobs-sustained-by-type-26-global-combat-ship-contract-awards|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Ships of the class==
[[File:240830 1514 Firth of Clyde, HMS Cardiff (F89) on Malin Augustea CD01 for launch.jpg|thumb|30 August 2024, HMS ''Cardiff'' heading down the Clyde on [[semi-submersible platform|semi-submersible]] [[Heavy-lift ship|launch barge]] Malin Augustea CD01, for launching at  [[DM Glen Douglas|Glen Mallan]] about {{convert|34|mi|km}} from Govan.]]
The original planning assumption for the Royal Navy was for thirteen Global Combat Ships (eight ASW and five GP), replacing the Type 23 frigate fleet like-for-like.<ref name="theyworkforyou.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2012-05-24a.108362.h|title=Type 26 Frigates|access-date=10 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="publications.parliament.uk">{{citation |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmhansrd/cm120524/text/120524w0002.htm |title=DEFENCE: Type 26 Frigates |work=House of Commons Hansard Written Answers |date=24 May 2012 |at=Column 833W |access-date=10 December 2015 |archive-date=23 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123152836/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmhansrd/cm120524/text/120524w0002.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> As a result of the November 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review however, it was decided that only the eight anti-submarine warfare Type 26 frigates would be ordered. The funding for the remaining five general purpose Type 26 frigates is instead to be spent on developing a new class of lighter and more affordable general purpose frigates (GPFF).<ref name="auto">[https://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/live/2015/nov/23/defence-review-sdsr-cameron-statement-paris-use-of-raf-cyprus-base-for-attacks-on-isisi-politics-live#block-56533b0de4b040a073185b86 David Cameron in the House of Commons] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603062848/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/live/2015/nov/23/defence-review-sdsr-cameron-statement-paris-use-of-raf-cyprus-base-for-attacks-on-isisi-politics-live#block-56533b0de4b040a073185b86 |date=3 June 2021 }}, Guardian.com, November 2015</ref>

Due to an expected lower cost, the government suggested it may allow an eventual increase in the total number of frigates in the Royal Navy.<ref name="auto"/> This general purpose frigate will be designated as the [[Type 31 frigate]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/naval/ships/2016/02/12/type-31-royal-navy-general-purpose-frigate/80281358/|title=New Royal Navy general purpose frigate to be known as Type 31|access-date=24 July 2016}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In July 2016, BAE revealed two general purpose frigate designs to meet the requirement; the Avenger class and the Cutlass class.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/62246/bae-unveils-general-purpose-frigate-concepts|title=BAE unveils General Purpose Frigate concepts|publisher=IHS Janes|access-date=15 July 2016|archive-date=30 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330004218/http://www.janes.com/article/62246/bae-unveils-general-purpose-frigate-concepts|url-status=live}}</ref> On 12 September 2019 it was announced that Babcock's Arrowhead 140 design, based on the Danish {{sclass|Iver Huitfeldt|frigate|1}}, had been selected for the Type 31 frigate program.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tovey |first=Alan |date=24 August 2019 |title=Babcock set to build new cut-price frigates and weaken BAE shipbuilding monopoly  |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2019/08/24/babcock-set-build-new-cut-price-frigates-weaken-bae-shipbuilding/ |work=Daily Telegraph |location=London |access-date=26 August 2019}}</ref>

===Naming the ships===
====Royal Navy====
During 2014, a campaign emerged to name one of the ships {{HMS|Plymouth}}, although Royal Navy ship names are formed via the Ships' Names and Badges Committee.<ref>{{citation |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm140905/text/140905w0001.htm#140905w0001.htm_wqn45 |title=Warships |work=House of Commons Hansard Written Answers |date=5 September 2014 |access-date=10 December 2015 |at=Column 361W |archive-date=23 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123145815/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm140905/text/140905w0001.htm#140905w0001.htm_wqn45 |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2017, construction of the first ship began in [[Govan]]; at the same time as work on the ship was started, it was announced that it would be named {{HMS|Glasgow}}.<ref name=Glasgow/> The second named unit (although planned as the third ship of Batch 1) was announced as [[List of ships named HMS Belfast|HMS ''Belfast'']] in September 2017. The Second World War era light cruiser {{HMS|Belfast|C35}}, a [[museum ship]], will be named "HMS ''Belfast'' (1938)" by the [[Imperial War Museum]] to avoid "any possibility of confusion".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irishnews.com/news/2017/09/27/news/new-royal-navy-warship-to-be-named-hms-belfast-1147115/ |title=New Royal Navy warship to be named HMS Belfast |last=Young |first=David |date=27 September 2017 |website=Irish Times |publisher=Press Association |access-date=27 September 2017 |archive-date=24 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024090200/https://www.irishnews.com/news/2017/09/27/news/new-royal-navy-warship-to-be-named-hms-belfast-1147115/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2017/september/27/170927-defence-secretary-names-new-warship-hms-belfast-in-northern-Ireland |title=Defence Secretary names new warship HMS Belfast in Northern Ireland |date=27 September 2017 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=27 September 2017 |archive-date=27 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927231826/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2017/september/27/170927-defence-secretary-names-new-warship-hms-belfast-in-northern-ireland |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2018 the [[First Sea Lord]], Admiral [[Philip Jones (Royal Navy officer)|Philip Jones]], announced that the second ship of the class would be {{HMS|Cardiff}}.<ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/AdmPhilipJones/status/968999753219563525 |title=Thread: Great to see the name HMS Cardiff returning to the Fleet as one of our new Type 26 Frigates, reflecting the @RoyalNavy's long-standing bond with the city and the people of Wales. |user=AdmPhilipJones |author-link=Philip Jones (Royal Navy officer) |last=Jones |first=Philip |number=968999753219563525 |date= 1 March 2018 |access-date=29 November 2022}}</ref> In September 2018 it was announced that the first of the planned five Batch 2 ships would be {{HMS|Birmingham}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-set-for-new-birmingham-warship-and-will-keep-amphibious-assault-ships-defence-secretary-announces |title=UK set for new Birmingham warship and will keep amphibious assault ships, Defence Secretary announces |date=30 September 2018 |access-date=1 October 2018 |archive-date=1 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001182351/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-set-for-new-birmingham-warship-and-will-keep-amphibious-assault-ships-defence-secretary-announces |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2018, subsequent Batch 2 ships were announced as [[HMS Sheffield (Type 26 frigate)|HMS ''Sheffield'']],<ref name= "bbcname">{{cite news |title=New warship to be named HMS Sheffield |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-46308021 |access-date=22 November 2018 |work=BBC |date=22 November 2018}}</ref> {{HMS|Newcastle}},<ref name= "bbcname"/> {{HMS|Edinburgh}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forces.net/news/remaining-type-26-frigate-named-hms-edinburgh |title=Last Type 26 To Be Named Announced As HMS Edinburgh |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=29 November 2018 |website=Forces.net |access-date=29 November 2018 |archive-date=29 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129184258/https://www.forces.net/news/remaining-type-26-frigate-named-hms-edinburgh |url-status=live }}</ref> and {{HMS|London}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=PM speech to the Lord Mayor's Banquet: 12 November 2018 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-speech-to-the-lord-mayors-banquet-12-november-2018 |access-date=13 November 2018 |work=gov.uk |date=12 November 2018 |archive-date=13 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113031340/https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-speech-to-the-lord-mayors-banquet-12-november-2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Navy's Eighth Type 26 Frigate Formally Named |url=https://www.forces.net/services/navy/navys-eighth-type-26-frigate-formally-named |access-date=13 November 2018 |work=Forces Network |date=13 November 2018 |archive-date=14 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114060243/https://www.forces.net/services/navy/navys-eighth-type-26-frigate-formally-named |url-status=live }}</ref> Of the eight names, six were previously used as names of [[Type 42 destroyer]]s, while the previous HMS ''London'' was a [[Type 22 frigate]]. HMS ''Sheffield'' was previously used on both a Type 22 frigate and a Type 42 destroyer before that. An order for the final five ships in the class was formally placed in November 2022.<ref name="fiveships">{{cite web |url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2022/november/12478-royal-navy-orders-five-more-type-26-frigates-from-bae-systems.html |title=Royal Navy orders five more Type 26 frigates from BAE Systems |work=Navyrecognition.com |date=15 November 2022 |access-date=29 November 2022}}</ref>

====Royal Australian Navy====
In June 2018, on the announcement that the Type 26 had been selected as the basis for the Future Frigate programme of the Royal Australian Navy, it was also announced that they would be known as the ''Hunter''-class, with the names of the first three given as HMAS ''Hunter'', HMAS ''Flinders'' and HMAS ''Tasman''. All three were named for seafarers that had played a significant role in the early history of modern Australia - [[John Hunter (Royal Navy officer)|John Hunter]] was an officer of the Royal Navy who, between 1795 and 1800, served as the second [[Governor of New South Wales]];<ref name=ADB>J. J. Auchmuty, '[http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A010529b.htm Hunter, John (1737–1821)]', ''[[Australian Dictionary of Biography]]'', Volume 1, [[Melbourne University Press|MUP]], 1966, pp 566–572. Retrieved 12 August 2009</ref> [[Matthew Flinders]] was a cartographer who undertook the first inshore circumnavigation and survey of the Australian continent between 1802 and 1803;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/flinders-circumnavigates-australia |title=Flinders circumnavigates Australia
 |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=22 May 2023 |website=National Museum of Australia |publisher= |access-date=1 July 2024 |quote=}}</ref> and [[Abel Tasman]] was a Dutch explorer who discovered the island that came to be called [[Tasmania]] in 1642.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ourtasmania.com.au/exploration-tasman.html |title=Exploration: Abel Tasman |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |website=Our Tasmania |publisher= |access-date=1 July 2024 |quote=}}</ref> Of the first three, only ''Flinders'' has been used previously in the RAN, having been used as the name of a [[HMAS Flinders (GS 312)|survey ship]] in service between 1973 and 1998.<ref name=Gillett101>*{{cite book |last=Gillett |first=Ross |title=Australian and New Zealand Warships Since 1946 |year=1988 |publisher=Child & Associates |location=Brookvale, NSW |isbn=0867772190 |oclc=23470364|page=101}}</ref>

====Royal Canadian Navy====
In June 2024, the announcement of the order being placed for the first three ships of the Canadian Surface Combatant programme also saw them being named as River class (with the Canadian ships being classed as [[destroyer]]s rather than frigates). The names of the three individual ships was also announced, with each being named for a [[List of rivers of Canada|Canadian river]]. All three had previously been used as the names of ships from a series of [[destroyer escort]]s in service with the Royal Canadian Navy from the 1950s to the 1990s. HMCS ''Fraser'' and HMCS ''Saint-Laurent'' are named for members of the {{sclass|St. Laurent|destroyer|4}}, a class of [[Anti-submarine warfare|ASW]] destroyers commissioned in the mid to late 1950s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/services/history/ships-histories/fraser.html |title=HMCS ''Fraser'' |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=23 October 2020 |website=Government of Canada |publisher= |access-date=5 July 2024 |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/services/history/ships-histories/st-laurent.html |title=HMCS ''St. Laurent'' |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=15 January 2021 |website=Government of Canada |publisher= |access-date=5 July 2024 |quote=}}</ref> HMCS ''Mackenzie'' is named for the lead ship of the {{sclass|Mackenzie|destroyer|4}}, a type of destroyer used for general purpose and training duties.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/services/history/ships-histories/mackenzie.html |title=HMCS ''Mackenzie'' |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=19 November 2020 |website=Government of Canada |publisher= |access-date=5 July 2024 |quote=}}</ref>

===List of ships===
{|class="wikitable"
|- valign=top 
! style="text-align: left;"|Operator
! style="text-align: left;" |Builder
! style="text-align: left;" |Batch
! style="text-align: left;" |Ordered
! style="text-align: left;" |Name
! style="text-align: left;"|[[Pennant number|Pen. No.]]
! style="text-align: left;"|Laid down
! style="text-align: left;"|Launched
! style="text-align: left;"|Commissioned
! style="text-align: left;"|Status
|-
! style="text-align: left;"|Class
! colspan="9" |'''City class'''
|-
! style="text-align: left;" rowspan="8" |{{navy|UK}}
| rowspan="8" |[[BAE Systems Maritime – Naval Ships|BAE Systems]], [[Glasgow]]
| rowspan="3" |'''Batch 1'''
| rowspan="3" |2 Jul 2017<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allison |first=George |date=2024-06-19 |title=A brief guide to the future Type 26 Frigates |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/a-brief-guide-to-the-future-type-26-frigates/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
| {{HMS|Glasgow|F88|2}}
| F88
|20 Jul 2017<ref name="bbc.co.uk" />
|3 Dec 2022<ref>{{cite web | last=Vavasseur | first=Xavier | title=HMS Glasgow Enters Water for the First Time | website=Naval News | date=3 December 2022 | url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/12/hms-glasgow-enters-water-for-the-first-time/}}</ref>
|{{font color||#ADE2B8|Late 2026 / early 2027}}<small><ref name="Navy Lookout">{{cite web | url=https://www.navylookout.com/type-26-frigate-construction-and-shipyard-investment-progress-update/| title=Type 26 frigate construction and shipyard investment – progress update |work=Navy Lookout | date=12 April 2024 }}</ref><ref name="navylookout.com" /><ref name="tringham" /><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.navylookout.com/why-will-the-royal-navy-not-have-its-first-type-26-frigate-operational-until-2027/ | title=Why will the Royal Navy not have its first Type 26 frigate operational until 2027? |work=Navy Lookout | date=26 April 2018 }}</ref></small>
|Fitting out
|-
| {{HMS|Cardiff|Type 26 frigate|2}}
| F89
|14 Aug 2019<ref>{{Cite press release|title=First steel cut for HMS Cardiff|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-steel-cut-for-hms-cardiff|website=GOV.UK|access-date=29 May 2020|archive-date=16 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816154714/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-steel-cut-for-hms-cardiff|url-status=live}}</ref>
|5 Sep 2024<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.navylookout.com/hms-cardiff-joins-hms-glasgow-in-dry-dock-fitting-out-at-scotstoun/| title=HMS Cardiff joins HMS Glasgow in dry dock fitting out at Scotstoun|work=Navy Lookout | date=9 September 2024 }}</ref>
|{{font color||#ADE2B8|Early 2028}}<ref name="navylookout.com" />
|Fitting out
|-
| {{HMS|Belfast|Type 26 frigate|2}}
| F90
|29 Jun 2021<ref>{{Cite press release|title=HRH Prince William starts construction on the UK's third Type 26 frigate for the Royal Navy {{!}} BAE Systems|url=https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/hrh-prince-william-starts-construction-on-the-uk-s-third-type-26-frigate-for-the-royal-navy|access-date=29 June 2021|website=BAE Systems {{!}} International|archive-date=29 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629151913/https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/hrh-prince-william-starts-construction-on-the-uk-s-third-type-26-frigate-for-the-royal-navy|url-status=live}}</ref>
|
|{{font color||#ADE2B8|2029 / 2030}}<small><ref name="Navy Lookout"/><ref name="navylookout.com" /></small>
|Under construction
|-
| rowspan="5" |'''Batch 2'''
| rowspan="5" | 15 Nov 2022
| ''Birmingham''
|F91
|4 Apr 2023<ref>{{Cite press release|title=Construction begins on Royal Navy's fourth Type 26 frigate - HMS Birmingham|url=https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/construction-begins-on-royal-navys-fourth-type-26-frigate-hms-birmingham|access-date=4 April 2023|website=BAE Systems {{!}} International|archive-date=4 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404205516/https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/construction-begins-on-royal-navys-fourth-type-26-frigate-hms-birmingham|url-status=live}}</ref>
|
| rowspan="5" |{{font color||#ADE2B8|From 2030}}<ref name="navylookout.com" />
|Under construction
|-
| ''Sheffield''
|F92
|
|
| rowspan="4" | Ordered<ref name="fiveships" />
|-
| ''Newcastle''
|F93
|
|
|-
| ''Edinburgh''
|F94
|
|
|-
| ''London''
|F95
|
|
|-
! style="text-align: left;"|Class
! colspan="9" |{{sclass|Hunter|frigate|4}}
|-
! style="text-align: left;" rowspan="6" |{{navy|Australia}}
| rowspan="6" |[[BAE Systems Australia|BAE Systems]] and<br> [[ASC Shipbuilding]], [[Adelaide, South Australia|Adelaide]]
| rowspan="3" |'''Batch 1'''
| rowspan="3" |21 June 2024<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bahtić |first=Fatima |date=2024-06-26 |title=Steel cut for Australia's first Hunter-class frigate |url=https://www.navaltoday.com/2024/06/26/steel-cut-for-australias-first-hunter-class-frigate/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Naval Today |language=en-US}}</ref>
|{{HMAS|Hunter||2}}
|
|24 Jun 2024<small><ref name="aspistrategist.org.au">{{cite web|date=26 November 2020|title=Australia's Hunter-class frigates are coming, but maybe not soon enough|url=https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/australias-hunter-class-frigates-are-coming-but-maybe-not-soon-enough/|access-date=10 December 2020|website=The Strategist|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126101053/https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/australias-hunter-class-frigates-are-coming-but-maybe-not-soon-enough/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/first-hunter-frigate-block-emerges-after-45000-work-hours | title=First Hunter frigate block emerges after 45,000 work hours | date=28 August 2022 }}</ref></small>
|
|{{font color||#ADE2B8|2034}}<ref name=":0">{{cite web | url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/06/australia-cuts-steel-on-its-first-hunter-class-frigate/ | title=Australia Cuts Steel On Its First Hunter-Class Frigate |website=Naval News | date=21 June 2024 }}</ref>
|Under construction<ref name=":0" />
|-
|{{HMAS|Flinders|FFG|2}}
|
|
|
|
| rowspan="2" |Ordered
|-
|{{HMAS|Tasman||2}}
|
|
|
|
|-
| rowspan="3" |'''Batch 2'''
| rowspan="3" |{{font color||#ADE2B8|Planned orders}}
|TBD
|
|
|
|
| rowspan="3" |Planned
|-
|TBD
|
|
|
|
|-
|TBD
|
|
|
|
|-
! style="text-align: left;"|Class
! colspan="9" |{{sclass2|River|destroyer (2030s)|0}}
|-
! style="text-align: left;" rowspan="3" |{{navy|Canada}}
| rowspan="3" |[[Irving Shipbuilding]] with<br> [[Lockheed Martin Canada|LM Canada]]-[[BAE Systems]] consortium,<br> [[Halifax, Nova Scotia|Halifax]]
| rowspan="3" |'''Batch 1'''
| rowspan="3" |28 June 2024
|''Fraser''
|
|{{font color||#ADE2B8|2025 / 2026}}<ref name="Department of National Defence">{{cite web | url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2024/06/construction-begins-for-canadas-new-warship-fleet--the-river-class-destroyers.html | title=Construction Begins for Canada’s New Warship Fleet – the River Class Destroyers |work=Department of National Defence |date=28 June 2024 |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref>
|
|{{font color||#ADE2B8|Early 2030s}}<ref name="Department of National Defence"/>
| rowspan="3" |Ordered
|-
|''Saint-Laurent''
|
|
|
|
|-
|''Mackenzie''
|
|
|
|
|}
{{legend|#ADE2B8|Planned / expected dates}}

==Similar ships==
* [[Future Surface Combatant (Koninklijke Marine)|ASWF]] of the [[Koninklijke Marine|Royal Netherlands Navy]]
* [[FREMM multipurpose frigate]] – a Franco-Italian design adopted by the navies of [[French Navy|France]], [[Italian Navy|Italy]], [[Royal Moroccan Navy|Morocco]], [[Egyptian Navy|Egypt]] and the [[United States Navy|United States]]
* {{sclass|Nilgiri|frigate|0||2019}} stealth frigates of the [[Indian Navy]]
* {{sclass|Álvaro de Bazán|frigate|1}}, a Spanish design adopted by the [[Spanish Navy|Spanish]] and [[Royal Australian Navy|Australian]] navies
* [[MKS 180 frigate]] of the [[German Navy]]
* [[Defence and intervention frigate]] (FDI) of the French Navy

==See also==
{{Portal|United Kingdom}}
* [[List of naval ship classes in service]]
* [[Future of the Royal Navy]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20150629210615/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-equipment/ships/future-ships/type-26 Royal Navy]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160312185835/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK0GGTyoWPc DSEi 2015: Type 26 Global Combat Ship](youtube.com)
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160410225102/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ynInUNTUWI BAE Systems video – Type 26 Global Combat Ship](youtube.com)
*[http://www.baesystems.com/product/BAES_020346/global-combat-ship?_afrLoop=82014632882000&_afrWindowMode=0&_afrWindowId=null&baeSessionId=sN4ZTTgLPwBG0GwKxnWvnNXNnXhtvY9CLXWJbyY7W7ps1b6MSy20!-1454332091#%40%3F_afrWindowId%3Dnull%26baeSessionId%3DsN4ZTTgLPwBG0GwKxnWvnNXNnXhtvY9CLXWJbyY7W7ps1b6MSy20%2521-1454332091%26_afrLoop%3D82014632882000%26_afrWindowMode%3D0%26_adf.ctrl-state%3Dv2ileyp3e_4 BAE Systems – Global Combat Ship] (baesystems.com)
*[http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/global-combat-ship-gcs-programme/ Naval-Technology – Type 26 Global Combat Ship (GCS) Programme, United Kingdom] (naval-technology.com)
*[http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=108 Navy Recognition – Type 26 Frigate – Global Combat Ship] (navyrecognition.com)

{{Type 26 frigate}}

[[Category:BAE Systems]]
[[Category:Frigate classes]]
[[Category:Proposed ships of the Royal Navy|Future Surface Combatant]]
[[Category:Ship classes of the Royal Navy]]
[[Category:United Kingdom defence procurement]]