Babcock begins construction on third Type 31 frigate HMS Formidable at Rosyth Shipyard.

According to a PR published by Babcock on October 9, 2024, the company has initiated the construction of HMS Formidable, the third Type 31 Inspiration Class frigate for the Royal Navy, at its Rosyth shipyard in Scotland.
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Steel-cutting ceremony of the third Type 31 frigate HMS Formidable. (Picture source: Babcock)

The ceremonial steel cutting marks the official start of the build for the vessel, which is one of five frigates in this series. This milestone comes just 20 months after steel was cut for the second ship, HMS Active.

The Type 31 frigates are designed to serve in various roles, including protecting UK interests and supporting partnered defense missions abroad. As the first vessel, HMS Venturer, approaches structural completion, the build continues for HMS Active and now HMS Formidable, within the Rosyth assembly hall.

The Type 31 programme also presents significant export potential, with its base design, Arrowhead 140, already selected by Indonesia and Poland for their respective naval projects.

Differences between Type 31 and Miecznik-class

The Type 31 and Miecznik-class frigates, despite sharing a common design foundation, are tailored for different roles and regional requirements, resulting in distinct capabilities. The Type 31, based on the Arrowhead 140 platform, is characterized by its modular design, which prioritizes cost-efficiency and adaptability for a range of general-purpose missions. It features a baseline configuration suited for maritime security, with armament including a 57mm main gun, 40mm secondary guns, and Sea Ceptor missiles for point defense. However, it lacks built-in anti-ship missiles and dedicated anti-submarine systems, though it can accommodate upgrades over time.

The Miecznik-class, developed for the Polish Navy using the Arrowhead 140 design, introduces several enhancements to meet more demanding regional needs, especially in the Baltic Sea. Its increased displacement, approximately 7,000 tons compared to the Type 31’s 5,700 tons, allows for a more robust weapon and sensor suite. The Miecznik is equipped with a 76mm main gun, vertical launch systems for up to 32 Sea Ceptor missiles, RBS15 anti-ship missiles, and torpedo launchers, significantly boosting its offensive and defensive capabilities. The advanced sensor suite, which includes Thales Sea Master radar and CAPTAS-2 towed sonar, underscores its emphasis on anti-submarine warfare.