THE Prime Minister has announced an £859 million investment in the Type 26 Global Combat Ship, the Royal Navy’s next generation frigate. It has been designed to replace the Type 23s with the aim of seeing the first vessel delivered to the Royal Navy in 2022.

The current planning is to replace the Type 23 with the T26 GCS on a one-for-one basis – resulting in a class of 13 ships.

This announcement is the latest in a long line of investment in the Royal Navy’s next generation capability.

In January last year the last of the six Type 45 Destroyer class came into service.

July saw the floating up of the Royal Navy’s flagship Queen Elizabeth Carrier, followed by the decision that it will be joined in service by the second operational aircraft carrier.

The Type 26 will become the Fleet workhorse, conducting joint and multinational operations across the full spectrum of warfare, including complex combat operations. counter piracy, humanitarian and disaster relief work.

Its cutting-edge design will ensure that it carries out its roles with unparalleled proficiency.

Powered by a combined diesel electric or gas turbine system, it will be able to reach high speeds whilst also having the capacity to cruise along in near silence.

Its unique flexible “mission bay” will be able to carry a range of payloads, from medical supplies for disaster relief to small boats for maritime security, to unmanned underwater, surface and air vehicles.

And, it will take full advantage of modular design and open systems architecture, ensuring it can be easily upgraded as new technology develops during its service life.