Royal Navy operations worldwide are set to be enhanced as construction begins on the first next-generation Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ship.

The traditional steel cutting ceremony held at Navantia UK’s Appledore facility in Devon marks a significant milestone for the programme which is driving £115 million investment across Navantia UK’s four shipyards, creating 1,200 jobs and 222 apprenticeships.

Commodore Sam Shattock, Commodore of the RFA announced the name of the first as RFA Resurgent. Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, initiated the steel cut. Navantia UK and its Harland & Wolff Belfast shipyard colleagues and apprentices were in attendance, alongside representatives from Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), the RFA, Royal Navy, government and industry.

When complete, the fleet of three ships – each at 216 metres long, the length of two Premier League football pitches – will provide munitions, spares, food and other essential stores to naval vessels at sea. This new capability will enhance defence operations, ensuring the Royal Navy can remain at sea for prolonged periods without returning to port.

Keith Bethell, DE&S Director, Maritime Environment, said: “This is a significant moment for everyone involved in the delivery of this programme. The FSS ships represent a major investment in the RFA’s ability to support frontline naval forces globally. Each vessel will serve as a crucial supply link for carrier-led operations, proudly built by skilled workers brought together for this shared mission.”

Managed by DE&S in partnership with Navantia UK, the FSS programme is delivering economic growth across multiple sites. Appledore employs 200 people, and 20 new apprentices were recruited this year in partnership with Petroc College.

Construction of the ship modules will take place at Navantia UK’s Appledore yard, along with Belfast and Spain. Final assembly, integration and trials of the ships will take place at Navantia UK’s Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast which retains its historic name.

Donato Martínez, CEO of Navantia UK said: “Across our yards, we have worked tirelessly to mark today’s milestone. It is a proud day for the whole team, whose commitment has brought us to this point. The FSS programme continues to deliver on two fronts: critical capability for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and long-term sovereign industrial capacity for the UK through investment in infrastructure, technology and skills.  Today’s steel cut is the evidence of what we have been saying all along.  When we make a commitment to deliver, we do so.”

Crewed by members of the RFA, the vessels will provide logistical support to Royal Navy operations worldwide, ensuring our naval forces have what they need, wherever they are.

Commodore Sam Shattock, Commodore RFA, said: “The ship is innovative, to meet the latest environmental protection standards and designed from the bottom up to deliver maritime sustainment as efficiently as possible.

“The construction will provide impetus to the UK ship building industry, supporting jobs and local economies at the various construction and assembly locations in the UK.

“I’m excited to watch this ship join the RFA flotilla and demonstrate its capabilities in due course. A true warfighting enabler for the Royal Navy of tomorrow.”

These celebrations follow the recent successful completion of the Critical Design Review in November this year, demonstrating that the programme is on track to deliver the advanced vessels to the RFA, with the first ship expected to enter service by 2031.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said: “This is a significant moment as we begin the build of the RFA’s newest ship that will keep our Royal Navy ready to fight and able to deter future threats.

“By backing British shipbuilding, we are creating more than 1,200 skilled jobs in Devon, Belfast and beyond. This shows defence is as an engine for growth, boosting communities across the UK. In a new era of threat, we are investing more of a rising defence budget in new platforms and technologies.”