BAE Systems has unveiled the aft block of the UK Royal Navy’s first City-class Type 26 frigate HMS Glasgow.

The aft block comprises the mission bay and hangar, which can support helicopters, boats, mission loads and disaster relief stores.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

It was joined together with the forward block at BAE’s Govan shipyard on the River Clyde, revealing HMS Glasgow’s full size and scale for the first time.

BAE said that the flight deck of the frigate can land a Chinook helicopter for transport of embarked forces.

To bring the aft block out of the ship block into position to combine with the forward block, BAE’s Govan shipyard teams prepared and completed a set of complex manoeuvres.

The Type 26 advanced anti-submarine ships are designed to adapt to changing missions and provide required manpower and capabilities to meet challenges.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Each ship will be fitted with the Sea Ceptor missile defence system, a five-inch medium calibre gun, flexible mission bay, Artisan 997 Medium Range Radar, as well as towed array sonars.

Last July, BAE Systems announced new supply chain contracts worth over £100m as part of the Royal Navy’s Type 26 frigate programme.

The programme is supporting more than 4,000 jobs across the UK.

Set to replace the UK’s Type 23 frigates, the Type 26 ships are the original variant of the company’s Global Combat Ship (GCS).

Australia and Canada have both selected BAE Systems’ Type 26 Global Combat Ship (GCS) as the reference design for their anti-submarine frigate programmes.

Naval Technology Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Naval Technology Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now