Here’s the latest I can provide on the Type 31 frigate based on the most recent publicly available reporting:
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UK defence press updates (circa 2024–2025) indicate the Royal Navy’s Type 31 programme was progressing with HMS Venturer nearing launch and the subsequent ships in the class advancing through steel-cutting and hull assembly milestones. The lead vessel was expected to launch later in 2025 and the class was planned to include five ships built by Babcock at the Rosyth yard.[1][6]
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In parallel, system integration work continued with Thales responsible for the Mission System and Combat System integration (TACTICOS), including FATs completed in 2024–2025 and moving toward shore-based integration before installation on the first ship, HMS Venturer. A later update noted main FATs for both the Mission and Combat Systems had been completed by late 2025, signaling progress toward final installation and handover.[3][4][5]
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Contextual development: initial reporting in 2024–2025 also highlighted the plan to equip Type 31s with extended strike capability, with discussions around potential missiles under consideration including the Naval Strike Missile, Tomahawk, or a Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon, reflecting ongoing capability debates for the class.[2]
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Build status and milestones: several outlets described ongoing construction across multiple hulls at Rosyth, with steel-cutting and subsequent hull assembly milestones for the vessels in the class, as part of a programme intended to bolster the Royal Navy by the end of the decade.[6][8]
If you’d like, I can search for more recent updates or provide a concise comparison of the Type 31’s planned capabilities versus other contemporaneous frigate programs.
Citations:
- Type 31 progress and HMS Venturer nearing launch.[1]
- Additional programme progress on Active and Formidable, and CIP contracts.[1]
- Thales mission/combat system tests and handover milestones.[4][5][3]
- Development notes on missile options and land-attack capability discussions.[2]
- Rosyth build milestones and broader programme context.[8][6]
Sources
This responsibility includes the combat management system TACTICOS, as well as communications, bridge and navigation systems and the integration of this equipment into the Babcock built platforms. The Mission System provides the platform warfighting capability and is critical to achieving the operational capability of these new ships. The successful completion the 3 main system level Factory Acceptance Tests was a key target for the during 2023 and brings us to the next stage in the project,...
www.thalesgroup.comResponding to a Parliamentary Written Question from James Cartlidge MP (Conservative – South Suffolk) on 28 April, Minister of State for Defence Maria Eagle stated that *“the Type 31 programme has made significant progress, with the first frigate, HMS Venturer, nearing structural completion and expecting to be launched later this year.”* The update highlights that work is advancing not only on HMS Venturer but also on subsequent vessels in the class. *“HMS Active, the second in class, is also...
ukdefencejournal.org.ukThree Type 31 frigates are in production in Fife.
news.stv.tvFive Type 31 frigates are being built in Rosyth, Fife.
news.stv.tvOn 14 May 2024, First Sea Lord Ben Key announced that the Type 31 frigate would be equipped with land strike capabilities. The three missiles under consideration are the Naval Strike Missile, Tomahawk cruise missile and the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon.
wikipedia.nucleos.com(IN BRIEF) Thales has completed Factory Acceptance Tests for both the Mission System and the Combat System on the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 Inspiration-cla
news.europawire.euAround 100 Unite members at the Rosyth yard employed by contractor Kaefer are set to strike after overwhelmingly supporting industrial action.
news.stv.tv