This milestone marks significant progress for the City Class programme, which is central to Britain’s naval capabilities and shipbuilding industry. The ceremony was attended by Defence Procurement and Industry Minister Maria Eagle, along with senior government, armed forces, and industry representatives.
The Type 26 frigates are among the most advanced warships in the world, designed for anti-submarine warfare, high-intensity air defence, and humanitarian missions. All eight vessels will be built on the Clyde, securing nearly 2,000 jobs in Scotland and 4,000 across the UK maritime supply chain for decades.
Maria Eagle highlighted the importance of the programme, stating, “HMS Sheffield represents not just a cutting-edge addition to our fleet but also demonstrates our commitment to supporting thousands of skilled jobs and economic growth across Scotland and the wider UK.”
Simon Lister, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business, praised the collaborative effort behind the construction. “HMS Sheffield’s construction will benefit from a range of investments, which are transforming our digital and physical infrastructure and will consolidate a centre of excellence for UK shipbuilding in Glasgow,” he said.
BAE Systems has invested £12m in a new Applied Shipbuilding Academy in Glasgow, supporting workforce development at all levels. Additionally, the Janet Harvey Hall, a modern shipbuilding facility, is nearing completion, enhancing productivity to deliver these vessels and future projects.
HMS Sheffield joins HMS Glasgow, HMS Cardiff, HMS Belfast, and HMS Birmingham in various stages of construction. The first ship in the class, HMS Glasgow, is expected to enter service in 2028, marking the beginning of a new era for the Royal Navy’s capabilities.
