Babcock has officially announced the start of construction of the fourth Type 31-class frigate, HMS Bulldog, marking another step forward in the modernization program of the British Royal Navy.
The information was released on the company’s official website.
Work began on the same day that the second vessel in the series, HMS Active, left the shipbuilding hall.
The frigate is now preparing for launch, a stage that precedes the afloat completion phase, when specialists begin the final integration of systems and weapons.
Type 31 Program Advances at Accelerated Pace
HMS Bulldog will be the fourth ship in the Type 31 class, developed to gradually replace the aging Type 23 frigates. According to the current schedule, the new vessel is expected to be delivered to the Royal Navy between 2030 and 2031.
One of the program’s distinguishing features is its construction speed. From keel laying, each ship takes around one year to be structurally assembled, before moving on to the final outfitting phase. In total, the complete cycle — from the start of construction to entry into service — is expected to take approximately three years.
This timeframe is significantly shorter than that of the Type 26 anti-submarine frigates, whose process can extend up to nine years. The industrial strategy adopted by Babcock is based on a simplified and modular design, enabling greater production efficiency and cost reduction.
Success in the International Market
The Type 31 architecture has also driven its export version, known as Arrowhead 140. The model has already been selected by the navies of Poland and Indonesia, strengthening the international presence of the British project in the highly competitive global warship market.
Armament and Capabilities
- HMS Bulldog will be equipped with:
- Two 40 mm remotely controlled weapon stations
- 57 mm Bofors rapid-fire automatic gun
- Four Mk.41 vertical launch system modules
- Sea Ceptor anti-air missiles
- New FOSW land-attack cruise missile
This configuration enhances the vessel’s air defense and precision strike capabilities, consolidating the Type 31 as a versatile platform for patrol, escort, and expeditionary operations.
With the industrial pace maintained, the Type 31 program emerges as a central pillar in the renewal of the British fleet, ensuring the gradual replacement of the previous-generation frigates within the planned timeline.
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Source and images: Babcock | X @RoyalNavy. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
