UK’s Babcock Shipyards begin construction (sheet cutting) of HMS ‘Formidable’ frigate, the third of five Type-31 frigates being built by the British Navy. The first ship (HMS ‘Venturer’) began construction (shearing) in September 2021 and is expected to enter service in late 2026 or early 2027. The second ship (HMS ‘Active’) began construction (shearing plate) in January 2023. According to the current schedule, all five Type-31 frigates should be delivered to the British Navy in 2028. The armament of the Type-31 consists of a 57mm main gun (can also accept of 127 millimeters). It also incorporates two 40mm cannons. In total it incorporates eight NSM anti-ship missiles and (future) Mk.41 VLS vertical launch system with 32 slots for long- and short-range anti-aircraft missiles (Sea Ceptor). In the British configuration the ships will be able to carry both BGM-109 Tomahawk missiles and RUM-139 VL-ASROC anti-submarine rockets.
