Euronaval 2024: BAE Systems Presents Future of Frigate Warfare with Type 26.

At Euronaval 2024, BAE Systems has brought to the forefront the Type 26 Global Combat Ship (GCS), a technological marvel engineered to redefine frigate capabilities for the modern battlefield. As navies worldwide seek solutions to counter increasing underwater and air threats, the Type 26 presents a synthesis of stealth, versatility, and precision-driven anti-submarine warfare (ASW) technologies, securing its status as a potent force in naval warfare.
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A model of the Type 26 frigate at Euronaval 2024. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Type 26’s design revolves around modularity and adaptability. At its core is a mission bay with the capacity to host various payloads, including unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), drones, and inflatable boats. This adaptability allows the Type 26 to be reconfigured rapidly in response to mission demands, which is critical for modern combat scenarios where quick pivoting between operational roles—such as ASW, air defense, and humanitarian missions—is essential. The frigate’s 4,500-square-foot mission space stands as a testament to its multi-role architecture, with dedicated access routes for rapid loading and deployment.

The Type 26 is armed with a suite of ASW sensors that leverage sonar and acoustic technology to create a formidable underwater detection and tracking network. The integrated Sonar 2087 towed array sonar is a low-frequency, active-passive sonar system designed to detect submarines at extended ranges, even in noisy littoral environments. The hull-mounted sonar, combined with Sonar 2087, allows for comprehensive detection coverage, creating a layered acoustic barrier against stealth submarines.

Coupled with this is an advanced combat management system (CMS), which processes acoustic data with precision and delivers high-fidelity threat detection, classification, and tracking capabilities. This CMS integrates with the ship’s sensors, providing a seamless real-time picture for operators, ensuring effective responses to detected threats. The ASW suite also includes digital echo reduction technologies, mitigating the risk of the Type 26 being detected by adversarial passive sonar.

The Type 26 employs a Combined Diesel-Electric or Gas (CODLOG) propulsion system, specifically engineered to maximize fuel efficiency and enhance stealth. This system integrates MTU diesel generators with a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine, achieving optimal power generation with minimal acoustic signature. The hybrid electric drive allows the vessel to operate silently at lower speeds, crucial for stealth operations in ASW missions. The propulsion system is also equipped with acoustic quieting measures, including isolated engine mounts, advanced propeller designs, and a rafted machinery layout, all minimizing noise emissions that could alert enemy submarines.

Equipped with the Sea Ceptor vertical launch missile system, the Type 26 offers a robust layered defense against air threats, including supersonic missiles and drones. Sea Ceptor utilizes Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles (CAMM), which can engage multiple targets with active radar guidance and a 360-degree coverage arc. With the capacity for up to 48 CAMM missiles, Sea Ceptor provides short-to-medium-range defense, forming a critical component of the Type 26’s multi-layered defense.

This system is further complemented by Phalanx CIWS for close-range defense, designed to intercept projectiles and incoming threats through rapid-fire, radar-guided accuracy. The 5-inch Mk 45 Mod 4 gun delivers added firepower for surface combat and land-strike missions, with a firing rate of up to 20 rounds per minute and a maximum range exceeding 20 kilometers.

Supporting air operations, the Type 26 is outfitted with a spacious flight deck and a dedicated hangar capable of accommodating a Wildcat or Merlin helicopter, expanding its surveillance and ASW reach. In addition to manned helicopters, the Type 26 integrates launch and recovery systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), allowing for extended reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and surveillance capabilities.