Type 26 (class)

2025 MODERN NAVY

• 1 Type 26 (Class) History
• 2 Type 26 (Class) Specification
  • 2.1 BASIC
  • 2.2 Operators
  • 2.3 Characters
  • 2.4 Distinctive Features
  • 2.5 Dimensions and Weight
  • 2.6 Power and Performance
  • 2.7 Weapons
  • 2.8 Aircraft

Type 26 (Class) History

The Royal Navy is undergoing a significant upgrade with the introduction of the Type 26 guided missile frigate, set to replace the current Type 23 vessels. This modernization effort extends beyond the British Navy, as the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) are also investing in this new class of frigates. A total of 32 Type 26 ships are planned, with the UK acquiring eight, Australia nine, and Canada leading the pack with 15.

BAE Systems Maritime - Naval Ships is spearheading the development and construction of the Type 26 frigates. This ambitious endeavor, known as the Global Combat Ship initiative, marks a significant three-nation collaboration not seen since the pre-World War II era when the Tribal-class destroyer group was established.

Designed to be versatile and capable of fulfilling multiple roles, the Type 26 shares similarities in function and capability with the French-Italian FREMM multipurpose vessel. Primarily focused on anti-submarine warfare (ASW), these frigates are equipped with built-in solutions for airspace deterrence and land attack scenarios. This makes them a "multi-mission" asset, capable of independent operations or seamlessly integrating into larger surface combat forces, such as a task force.

The roots of the Type 26 program can be traced back to 1998 when it was initially referred to as the Future Surface Combat Ship (FSC). Over time, it evolved into the comprehensive Global Combat Ship Initiative. The program gained momentum in the early 2010s, leading to BAE Systems securing the contract for construction at its Glasgow shipyard. The first ship, HMS Glasgow, commenced official construction in July 2017, marking a significant milestone.

Both Australia and Canada have shown increased commitment to the program. Australia, seeking to replace its aging ANZAC-class frigates, named their Type 26 ships the Hunter class. Following suit, Canada joined the endeavor in February 2019, with batches committed through Lockheed Martin Canada/Irving Shipbuilding. As of 2021, the project includes two production batches known as "Batch 1" and "Batch 2." Batch 1 includes HMS Glasgow (F88), HMS Cardiff (F89), and HMS Belfast (F90). Batch 2 encompasses HMS Birmingham, HMS Sheffield, HMS Newcastle, HMS Edinburgh, and HMS London.

The Type 26 frigates are designed to displace approximately 7,600 tons (short) and boast dimensions of 491.9 feet in length and 68.2 feet in width. Propulsion is achieved through a conventional CODLOG (Combined Diesel-Electric or Gas) arrangement, comprising four MTU 20V 4000 M53B diesel generators, connected to a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine, which drives two electric motors. These power systems enable the ships to reach a top speed of 26 knots and achieve a range of around 7,000 to 7,500 nautical miles.

With a crew size ranging from 157 to 208, the Type 26 frigates incorporate advanced airborne systems such as the Type 997 "Artisan" 3D radar suite, Kelvin Hughes "SharpEye" navigation unit, Terma SCANTER 6000 series 2D X-band navigation unit, and SCOT-5 satellite communications unit. To bolster their anti-submarine capabilities, the frigates are equipped with the Ultra Electronics Model 2150 and Sonar 2087 towed array in the bow. Additionally, the IRVIN-GQ DLF system satisfies the ship's electronic warfare (EW) requirements.

Type 26 (Class) Specification

BASIC

Years of Service: 2025

Origins: UK

Status: Under construction. Program is running.

Crew: 157

Manufacturer: BAe Systems Maritime - Naval Ships - United Kingdom

Class: Type 26 (City/Hunter/CSC class)

Class Size: 32

Operators

Australia (Hunter class); Canada (Canadian surface warship); UK (City class)

Characters

Sea Bombing

Maritime bombardment/attack of surface targets/areas primarily through ship-based ballistic weapons.

Land Assault

Littoral attacks against surface targets primarily through ship-based missiles/missile weapons.

Sea Patrol

Active patrolling of critical waterways and sea areas; also serves as a local deterrent against air and maritime threats.

Airspace Denial/Deterrence

Neutralization or deterrence of flying elements by airborne missile weapon ballistics.

Fleet Support

Provide support (fire or materiel) to major surface fleets in blue water environments.

Distinctive Features

Air Defense

Airborne systems warn and protect ships from airborne and low-altitude ballistic and/or missile threats.

On the horizon

The ship is granted over-the-horizon combat capability, usually provided by a launched fixed-wing/rotary-wing aircraft.

Missile weapons

The ship supports long-range missile launches to air, sea or land-based targets; typical of modern design.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 491. 9 feet (149.93m)

Ray: 68. 2 feet (20.79m)

Shift: 7,600 t

Power and Performance

Installed Power: CODLAG (Combination Diesel-Electrical-Gas): 4x MTU 20V4000 M53B type diesel generators with 1x Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine and 2x electric motors.

Surface Velocity: 26. 0 nodes (29.9 km/h)

Area: 7,000nm (8,055 miles | 12,963 kilometers)

Weapons

1 x 5"/62 caliber Mk 45 with turret deck gun.

2 x 24-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS) to support "Sea Sensor" Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM); future support for land attack and anti-ship missile types.

2 x 30mm DS30M Mk. 2 automatic cannons.

2 x 20mm Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS).

2 x 7.62mm mini guns.

4 x 7 62mm General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG).

Aircraft

1 or 2 medium lift helicopters, supported by the helipad section of the stern hangar; anti-submarine warfare aircraft equipped with torpedoes, depth charges and missiles.