HMS Sheffield, the fifth of eight Type 26 advanced anti-submarine warfare ships being constructed in Scotland for the Royal Navy, has had her first steel cut during a ceremony in Glasgow.

The long-held steel cutting tradition signals that construction is underway and is the latest milestone in the City Class Type 26 frigate programme.

All eight frigates are being built in Scotland, with nearly 2000 jobs based at BAE Systems’ Govan and Scotstoun sites, helping to grow the economy and providing employment opportunities for the area’s skilled workers and apprentices.

The entire contract, procured and delivered by Defence, Equipment and Support (DE&S), sustains approximately 6,000 jobs across the UK maritime supply chain. More than 100 UK suppliers have been contracted for the programme.

Coming together as One Defence, BAE Systems employees and apprentices joined DE&S, Royal Navy and Government representatives, as well as business stakeholders, for the momentous steel cutting occasion.

Apprentice Fabricator Burner, Michael Miller, 27, was responsible for initiating the steel cut at BAE Systems’ facilities.

Attending the ceremony, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said: “This steel cutting ceremony marks another key moment for both our Royal Navy and British shipbuilding.

“HMS Sheffield represents not just a cutting-edge addition to our fleet, but also demonstrates our commitment to supporting thousands of skilled jobs and economic growth across Scotland and the wider UK.

“This investment in our naval capability ensures we can continue to protect our nation’s interests while supporting British industry.”

Replacing the bulk of the retiring Type 23 fleet, the Type 26 frigates will be some of the world’s most advanced warships, having been designed for the critical protection of the Royal Navy’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) and Carrier Strike Group (CSG).

When complete, the ships will also support joint and multinational operations across the full spectrum of operations including counter piracy, humanitarian and disaster relief work.

DE&S Director General Core, Simon Dakin, said: “These frigates will have an essential role in ensuring the continued security of our nation and this is a proud moment for all involved. We are delighted to have celebrated this shipbuilding event on the Clyde in the company of all those playing a part in delivering this important programme.”

Of the other four Type 26 vessels already under construction, HMS Belfast and HMS Birmingham are being fabricated at Govan. HMS Glasgow and HMS Cardiff are undergoing outfit at Scotstoun where complex systems will be installed before test and commissioning takes place.

Commodore Stephen Roberts, the Type 26 programme Senior Responsible Owner (SRO), said: “Seeing the next T26 start the construction journey is a tangible representation of the success of the programme thanks to the hard work put in by the DE&S, BAE Systems and Royal Navy teams. These advanced anti-submarine warfare ships will provide the Royal Navy with a world-class cutting-edge capability to protect our Nation’s interests well into the future.”

Construction of all of the City Class Type 26 frigates is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s, with HMS Glasgow, the first in class, entering service by the end of 2028. Designed for a service life of at least 25 years, the fleet will serve into the 2060s.

Simon Lister, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business, said: “This is a proud moment for our talented teams across the UK who play their part in the design and construction of these important vessels.”

“HMS Sheffield’s construction will benefit from a range of investments, which are transforming our digital and physical infrastructure and will consolidate a centre of excellence for UK shipbuilding in Glasgow.”

“I’d like to thank our customers and suppliers for their support and commitment as we take this programme forward together and deliver the next generation frigates for the Royal Navy.”