UK Navy reveals names of the future Type 31 frigates


According to information published by the Royal Navy on May 20, 2021, five names to rally and inspire sailors and Royal Marines now and for the future have been selected for Britain's next generation of frigates.
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Russian Vyborg Shipyard laid the Purga ice class coastguard ship of project 23550 925 001 Artist rendering of the future Type 31 frigates (Picture source: Babcock International)


Britain’s senior sailor First Sea Lord Admiral Tony Radakin today announced the names of the Type 31 frigates – which will now be known as the Inspiration class.

Approved by Her Majesty The Queen, HMS Active, Bulldog, Campbeltown, Formidable and Venturer draw their names from warships and submarines whose deeds and missions are intended to reflect and inspire current and future Royal Navy operations.

Each name has been selected to represent key themes and operations which will dominate and shape the global mission of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines: carrier operations (Formidable); operational advantage in the North Atlantic (Bulldog); forward deployment of ships around the globe to protect UK interests (Active); technology and innovation (Venturer); and the Future Commando Force (Campbeltown).

The names of the five future frigates were revealed at the First Sea Lord’s Seapower conference held in Arundel House.

All five Inspiration-class vessels will be assembled at the Babcock yard in Rosyth, where a new construction hall is nearing completion.

The first steel is due to be cut on the ships this summer and all five will operate alongside Type 26 or City-class frigates which will be dedicated submarine hunters and will replace the equivalent specialist Type 23s.

The T31 builds upon the already successful Iver Huitfeldt Global Frigate design, incorporating changes to provide a compliant and adaptable modern platform.

The Type 31 frigates have a standard displacement of about 5700 tons and a length of 138,7 meters. The diesel main power plant under the CODAD scheme should provide a full speed of 28 knots.

The frigates will arm with BAE Bofors 57mm naval guns.

The frigate can accommodate an 80-100 crew, 1 × Wildcat or 1 × Merlin, 6 TEUs and 4 boat bays for RHIBs and USVs/UUVs. The ship is also fitted with a helicopter hangar and a flight deck.