A team led by BAE Systems Surface Ships, working with the MOD, will consider design proposals for the Type 26 combat ship, named in recognition of its planned multiple roles.
The Type 26 will replace the Type 22 and 23 frigates, which are to begin leaving service at the end of the decade. The ship will provide support for land operations as well as undertaking other key tasks such as anti-submarine warfare.
The Assessment Phase will play a critical part in ensuring that the necessary capabilities identified during the Strategic Defence Review are incorporated into the Type 26 design.
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth announced the contract for the Type 26's Assessment Phase today.
He also announced that progress will continue on the Astute Class of submarines, the largest and most advanced attack submarines ever ordered for the Royal Navy.
The MOD is proceeding with the initial build work for Boat 5, as well as procurement activities to ensure key items for Boat 6 are available when needed.
The MOD has also negotiated a long term partnering agreement with Babcock Marine covering surface ship and submarine support activities.
This 15-year commercial arrangement - known as a Terms of Business Agreement (TOBA) - will generate financial benefits to the Department of over £1.2bn.
It represents the MOD's ongoing commitment to providing world-class capability for our Armed Forces in the most cost-efficient manner.
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said:
"Planning for future defence is crucial. It is our duty to provide key equipment that will ensure the UK is properly prepared to meet its own defence needs in an ever changing world, and continues to play an important role in maintaining global security.
"Programmes like the Type 26 and Astute not only ensure the Royal Navy continues to have cutting-edge capability but also sustain the industry that supports them.
"These commitments, and the long-term partnering agreement with Babcock Marine, will protect the long-term future of the maritime industry and preserve the industrial capability and skills needed to carry out future programmes cost-effectively."
First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, said:
"These programme announcements are welcome news for the Royal Navy. You simply cannot have an effective Navy without capable frigates, and the Type 26 combat ship will form the future backbone of the Royal Navy's surface combatant force, alongside the new Type 45 destroyers.
"These ships will be highly versatile, able to operate across the full spectrum of operations, from war-fighting to disaster relief.
"The Astute Class submarine gives us a real edge, exploiting stealth and covert presence to offer enormous utility across a wide range of military tasks, everything from anti-submarine warfare, through intelligence-gathering, to striking targets far inland."
The key design aims for the Type 26 are for a ship that is:
• Versatile - able to undertake a number of roles;
• Flexible - to adapt to the changing needs of defence;
• Affordable - both in build and support through its service life;
• Exportable - designed with the international market in mind.
