Scott Nicholas
The U.K. ministry of defense has formally accepted a BAE Systems-built River-class offshore patrol vessel designed to help protect the country’s territories and interests worldwide.
HMS Forth will remain at the Scotstoun yard in Glasgow, Scotland for additional work before its commissioning at the Portsmouth Naval Base later this year, BAE said Thursday.
The company also started to construct the second hull section of the first City-class frigate, dubbed Glasgow, as part of BAE’s production support for the Type 26 Global Combat Ship program.
MoD awarded a potential $4.8 billion contract to BAE Systems in July to build three Type 26 ships for the country’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship program which aims to replace outdated Type 23 vessels.
Guto Bepp, U.K.’s minister for defense procurement, said the progress of the Type 26 program represents the country’s dedication to built new warships while sustaining approximately 4,000 jobs in Scotland.
BAE noted the Medway City-class frigate will depart for trials before July while the Tamar and Spey River-class OPVs are being built at the company’s facility in Govan.
General Electric also received a potential $8 million contract from the British defense contractor to help establish an Electrical Integration and Test Facility in Leicestershire which will host de-risking integration tests for the propulsion systems of Type 26 vessels.
