Plasan to develop armour for British Royal Navy’s Type 26 frigates

Israel-based manufacturer Plasan has signed a new contract with BAE Systems to produce armour for the British Royal Navy’s latest Type 26 Global Combat Ships (GCSs).

Plasan’s armour technology will be designed to feature the enhanced capability and flexibility required for the navy’s Type 26 concept.

The armouring solution has been selected by BAE Systems based on the company’s improved quality and production processes, in addition to its collaboration with Design Authority partners.

Plasan is expected to begin the production of armour for the first three vessels of the class this year under the arrangement.

The Type 26 vessels are being built by BAE Systems and have been specifically designed to replace the navy’s current eight Duke-class Type 23 anti-submarine frigates.

The new ships are claimed to be the most advanced of their type and will be constructed at BAE Systems’ facilities in Glasgow, Scotland.

In addition, the Type 26 GCSs will each feature a multi-role mission bay, large flight deck and hangar to support a wide range of both manned and unmanned systems.

The 60ft-long, multi-mission Type 26 frigates are being developed to support the Royal Navy’s global anti-submarine warfare, air-defence and general-purpose operations at sea.

The newest frigates are set to be 2,000t heavier than their predecessors and will be equipped with a bow and towed array sonar, Sea Ceptor air-defence missiles and a 5in main gun.

A £3.7bn deal was signed for the development of the first three ships in July last year.

The first units from the Type 26 fleet are slated to enter service with the Royal Navy in the 2020s.