HMS Formidable, the third of five Type 31 frigates being constructed in Scotland for the Royal Navy, has had her first steel cut during a ceremony in Rosyth.

The cutting of steel is a significant milestone in the Type 31 programme and is a long-held shipbuilding tradition to mark that construction is underway.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, was responsible for initiating the steel cut at Babcock International’s state-of-the-art facility near Edinburgh, with its employees and apprentices in attendance alongside representatives from Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), the Royal Navy, governmental and business stakeholders.

Running under the theme of ‘Formidable Engineering’, the event showcased the DE&S-managed programme’s achievements to date, demonstrating the breadth of the UK’s shipbuilding skills, innovation and capability.

Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said: “This government is committed to making Britain secure at home and strong abroad. These frigates will be at the heart of the Royal Navy fleet, deterring aggression and supporting our military.

“Today’s significant milestone is backing the government’s mission to grow the economy by supporting thousands of jobs in Scotland and across the UK.

“A key element of the Type 31 programme is the potential to work with the UK Government to secure a range of export opportunities, further supporting the UK economy and jobs. Arrowhead 140, the base design of the Type 31, has already been successfully exported to the Indonesian and Polish governments, with both programmes already in build in the respective countries.”

Collaborative working across industry and government was also celebrated and attendees enjoyed a tour of the two other T31 ships currently in build.

Mark Beverstock, DE&S’ Head of Naval Ships Delivery Group, said: “I am delighted that work on the third ship in the Type 31 programme is underway. From maritime security patrols and disaster-relief support, to intelligence gathering and Defence engagement, these ships will be at the heart of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet. The ships will be crucial in deterring aggression and maintaining the security and prosperity of the UK’s interests, working alongside our allies to deliver credible UK warship presence across the globe.”

Over the length of the programme, the construction of the Type 31 fleet of five ships, known collectively as the Inspiration class, will support around 1,250 highly skilled jobs at Babcock and see the creation of an additional 150 apprenticeships. A further 1,250 roles in the UK supply chain are also expected to be supported.

The HMS Formidable steel cut is the third event of its kind for the Type 31 programme with former Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, having cut the steel of HMS Venturer in 2021, followed by HMS Active’s steel cut by then Defence Minister, Alex Chalk, in 2023.

Completed sections of HMS Formidable will move into Babcock’s assembly hall after HMS Venturer, the first in class, is rolled out for final stages of construction and outfitting.

Cdre Stephen Roberts, the Royal Navy’s Senior Responsible Owner for the Type 31 programme, said: “This is a momentous occasion for all involved and we are proud to have marked this significant milestone in this way. When complete, this remarkable fleet of general-purpose frigates ships will deliver an impressive capability for Royal Navy and play a huge role in the continued security and prosperity of our nation.”

Type 31 ships are based on a modular design that makes them easier to upgrade and update systems and equipment through life. The class is based on Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 design and can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of export customers too.

The vessels will be fitted with the world-leading UK-designed and manufactured missile system, in addition to a range of highly advanced weapons and sensor systems. They will also be fitted with a sophisticated combat system with a 4D air and surface surveillance and target indication radar, and capabilities to operate with a Merlin or Wildcat helicopter.

Babcock’s Chief Executive Officer, David Lockwood said: “Today, we are proud to mark yet another milestone in this important defence programme for the Royal Navy. These frigates will play a significant role in protecting the UK and supporting international partnered defence operations.

“This programme is a real demonstration of UK sovereign shipbuilding capability and is delivering positive economic impact within Scotland and in communities across the UK. It is a privilege for our teams across Babcock to be delivering these platforms for the nation.”