An artist’s impression of how the completed HMS Sheffield will look (Image: MoD)
Construction work on the ’s state-of-the-art anti-submarine warfare ship got underway today with a traditional steel-cutting ceremony in Glasgow.
HMS Sheffield, which shares a name with, among others, a ship sunk during the War more than four decades ago, is the fifth of eight Type 26 frigates being built in at an estimated total cost of £4.2 billion.
The first three ships to be built had a higher collective cost of £3.7 billion due to their pioneering role in the project, with HMS Sheffield understood to be costing £840million.
It marks another important milestone in the City Class frigate programme, designed for a service life of at least 25 years.
Almost 2,000 jobs and apprenticeships are being supported through the production of the ships, with another 4,000 supported throughout the UK supply chain.
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Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle (Image: PA)
Representatives from BAE Systems, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the Royal Navy, and government joined employees for the event, with an apprentice official performing the actual ceremony.
Among the attendees was Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle MP, who said: “This steel cutting ceremony marks another key moment for both our Royal Navy and British shipbuilding.
“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.
“This investment in our naval capability ensures we can continue to protect our nation’s interests while supporting British industry.”
HMS Sheffield after being hit by an Argentine Exocet missile in 1982 (Image: PA)
The Type 26 frigates will replace the current Type 23 fleet and rank among the world’s most advanced warships. Their primary role will be to protect the Royal Navy’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent and Carrier Strike Group.
In addition they will support international operations, including counter-piracy missions and humanitarian relief work.
Sir Simon Lister, managing director, BAE Systems, Naval Ships said: “This is a proud moment for our talented teams across the UK who play their part in the design and construction of these important vessels.”
“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.”
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Construction has begun on HMS Sheffield. It is the fifth of eight Type 26 frigates being built in Scotland and will:??????Support 4,000 jobs across the UK supply chain.?????? Modernise and strengthen UK Defence.?????? Support international operations, including counter-piracy.
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“I’d like to thank our customers and suppliers for their support and commitment as we take this programme forward together and deliver the next generation frigates for the Royal Navy.”
HMS Sheffield is a name steeped in Royal Navy history, with the name previously on several ships, including on a Town class cruiser which saw extensive action during the Second World War, and a Type 42 destroyer which was deployed during the Falklands War.
Construction of all of the City Class Type 26 frigates is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s, with HMS Glasgow, the first in class, entering service by the end of 2028. The HMS Sheffield which saw service in the Falklands was a Type 42 guided missile destroyer.
She was struck and heavily damaged by an Exocet air-launched anti-ship missile from an Argentine Super Etendard aircraft on May 4 1982 and foundered while under tow six days later. Of 281 crew, 20 died in the initial attack, with between 26 and 63 more injured – although only one body was ever recovered.
The wreck of the ship is a war grave and a protected place under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.