HMS Glasgow, the first of eight Type 26 frigates procured by DE&S and built by BAE Systems for the Royal Navy, was named in a ceremony today by Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess of Wales.

As the ship’s Sponsor HRH The Princess of Wales smashed a bottle of whisky over the bow, rather than the traditional bottle of champagne, in recognition of its Scottish heritage. Her Royal Highness was joined throughout her visit by The Prince of Wales.

The naming ceremony took place at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun shipyard in Glasgow – the city in which the ship was built and named after. As is customary for a Sponsor, HRH The Princess of Wales will maintain a close connection with the ship and her crew throughout HMS Glasgow’s active life.

The prestigious event was attended by guests including Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray, alongside those who have helped build the ship, Navy personnel and their families and DE&S colleagues.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

“HMS Glasgow represents the best of British engineering and shipbuilding. The warship will serve as a formidable defender of our national security and a powerful asset for NATO in an increasingly dangerous world.

“The shipbuilding programme supports thousands of highly-skilled jobs in Scotland and across the UK, supporting the government’s Plan for Change and reinforcing the role of defence as a powerful engine for growth.”

Type 26 frigates will replace Type 23 anti-submarine frigates and are designed to support joint and multinational operations across the full spectrum of maritime operations, including counter-piracy, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Mark Beverstock, DE&S’ head of the Combat Ships Delivery Group, said:

“Today marks a significant milestone and proud moment for the entire DE&S Type 26 programme team, our industry partners and the Royal Navy. Built here in Scotland, HMS Glasgow and the entire fleet of ships will be the most advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare warships of their time and this event underscores the UK’s commitment to protecting its vital strategic interests and supporting NATO allies.”

These ships will provide critical protection for the UK’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent and Carrier Strike Group with unparalleled anti-submarine warfare capabilities. When operational, the 149-metre-long 8,000-tonne frigates and 149-metre frigates will be the backbone of the Royal Navy’s surface flotilla.

Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell thanked Their Royal Highnesses for their support and all those involved in the Type 26 endeavour to reach this milestone in the programme.

Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell said:

“From the first ever HMS Glasgow, sailing under the Royal Navy flag at the end of the 17th Century to the ship we see here in the 21^st Century, HMS Glasgow has evolved and adapted to meet the warfighting and operational demands of its day.

“Each metamorphosis saw shipbuilders adapting materials and designs so that crews could operate each successive HMS Glasgow on operations and in conflict and war.

“The result of this being 11 battle honours – HMS Glasgow’s pedigree is awe inspiring.”

He hailed the latest ship as “a pure-bred Anti-Submarine Warfare platform, setting the standard for naval warfare”, ready to “meet the global and geopolitical challenges of today”.

He continued: “HMS Glasgow and her class represent the next chapter of naval innovation, safeguarding the UK’s interests and contributing to national prosperity.”

The Type 26 programme represents a £7.9 billion investment in British shipbuilding. It directly supports 2,000 jobs in Scotland, including apprenticeships, at BAE Systems’ Govan and Scotstoun shipyards in Glasgow, with a further 4,000 roles sustained across the wider UK supply chain until 2035.

More than 120 UK suppliers have been contracted for the programme, with BAE Systems committing to invest £1.2 billion in UK manufacturing through sub-contracts.

Simon Lister, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business, said:

“This is a historic moment for the Type 26 programme, the city of Glasgow and the thousands of people involved in this great endeavour.

“The naming of HMS Glasgow is a significant step towards this cutting-edge vessel joining the Royal Navy fleet and demonstrates our solid progress in delivering these powerful new ships. We are proud that they will play a vital role in protecting the UK.”

Work is already well underway on HMS Glasgow’s sister ships. HMS Cardiff moved to the BAE Systems’ Scotstoun yard last year, to begin outfitting. HMS Belfast, HMS Birmingham and HMS Sheffield are progressing at its Govan facilities, while steel will be cut on HMS Newcastle later this year.

The eight ships are expected to enter service between 2028 and 2035 and will be based at HMNB Devonport in Plymouth, forming the backbone of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet.