HMS Cardiff launched in Scotland: Second of eight advanced Type 26 frigates set to join Royal Navy fleet

5 September 2024, 10:06 | Updated: 5 September 2024, 10:11

An anti-submarine warship being built for the Royal Navy has been launched in Scotland.
An anti-submarine warship being built for the Royal Navy has been launched in Scotland. Picture: LBC
Alan Zycinski

By Alan Zycinski

An anti-submarine warship being built for the Royal Navy has been launched in Scotland.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

HMS Cardiff is the second of eight Type 26 frigates being constructed by BAE systems on the Clyde.

The £1.2billion vessel is described as being "capable of undertaking a wide range of roles from high-intensity warfare to humanitarian assistance".

It was towed out to deeper waters on a barge last week before being lowered off of it this morning.

This method allows for a more controlled launching compared to the traditional slipway method.

It's now been seen returning to BAE’ Scotstoun shipyard where it will undergo the next stages of outfit before test and commissioning.

The Type 26 Frigate, also referred to as the City-class, is a cutting-edge anti-submarine warfare ship designed by BAE Systems Maritime – Naval Ships. This versatile vessel is set to join the fleets of the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, replacing older models in each navy.

Second of eight advanced Type 26 frigates joins Royal Navy fleet
Second of eight advanced Type 26 frigates joins Royal Navy fleet. Picture: LBC

In the Royal Navy (RN), it will succeed the Type 23 frigate, while in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) it will replace the Anzac-class frigate, and in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), it will take over from the Halifax-class frigate.

The ship's armament is versatile, with two 24-cell vertical launch systems (VLS) capable of launching Sea Ceptor anti-air missiles, and a separate 24-cell Mark 41 VLS designed to accommodate future cruise and anti-ship missiles, including the BGM-109 Tomahawk.

The frigate is also equipped with a 5-inch 62-calibre Mk 45 naval gun, as well as additional weaponry, including two Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) and various machine guns.

David Shepherd, Type 26 Programme Director, BAE Systems, said last week: “Seeing the latest ship in the water for the first time will be a proud and exciting moment for the thousands of people involved in this great national endeavour.

“The Type 26 has awesome and world-leading capability and we’re looking forward to installing HMS Cardiff’s complex systems and bringing her to life.”

Last August it was revealed opera singer Katherine Jenkins would be the official sponsor of HMS Cardiff.

She said at the time: “I have always felt it such a privilege to support His Majesty’s Armed Forces and their families, and the experiences I have had with them over almost 20 years will forever be amongst my most cherished.

“Inspired by all those I have met so far, and humbled by this wonderful invitation, I am honoured to be announced as the Sponsor of HMS Cardiff.

“A lifelong role, I look forward to making more memories through this impressive new ship and serving with love and dedication.

“This is a particularly proud and poignant moment for me given that my Dad was part of the Navy. It feels like a real full-circle moment, and I know that he will be with me today.”

The Type 26 stands out for its impressive size and advanced capabilities. It boasts a full load displacement of around 8,000 tonnes, with a length of 149.9 meters and a beam of 20.8 meters. The frigate is equipped with a Combined Diesel-electric or Gas (CODLOG) propulsion system, featuring a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine, four MTU Type 20V 4000 M53B high-speed diesel generators, and two electric motors.

This propulsion system enables the vessel to reach speeds exceeding 26 knots and offers a range of more than 7,000 nautical miles when operating on electric motor drive. Designed for a crew of 157, the Type 26 can accommodate up to 208 personnel, providing flexibility for various mission requirements.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter stars take swipe at JK Rowling as they sign open letter supporting trans people

Bernard Morgan, 100, shows a letter to school children as he joins Second World War veterans at a tea party organized by the Royal British Legion at The Ritz, London.

50,000 kids write moving letters to WWII veterans ahead of 80th anniversary VE day celebrations

A court sketch shows Erin Patterson at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court in Morwell, Victoria, Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

Deadly Beef Wellington lunch ‘terrible accident’, court hears - as woman accused of murdering guests with mushrooms

Erin Cuthbert, Guro Reiten, and Millie Bright of Chelsea celebrate following their team's victory in a Barclays Women's Super League match between Manchester United and Chelsea FC at Leigh Sports Village on April 30, 2025 in Leigh, England.

Lucy Bronze heads in winner as Chelsea win sixth successive WSL title with 1-0 win over Man United

Summer Clarke, now 26, was given a 10% chance to live, with her family told to say their "goodbyes" when she suffered a spontaneous brain haemorrhage.

Woman who suffered stroke at 24 and given 10% chance to live ‘could sing before speaking’

Sara Sharif was murder by her father in Surrey back in 2023

Murder of ten-year-old Sara Sharif leads to renewed calls for smacking ban

School classroom

Calls for schools to deliver more ‘relationship violence prevention lessons’ after Netflix's Adolescence

Rubbish in the street outside Ward End Park

May Day talks to take place in bid to resolve Birmingham bin strike

A co-ordinated 24-hour global strike is being held demanding fair pay, improved working conditions, and greater protections for gig economy drivers.

Private hire drivers go on global strike as thousands walk out for better pay and conditions

It comes as a poll of 1,800 adults in England found that almost one in four (23%) had found inaccuracies or missing details in their medical records.

Medical record errors ‘putting patients at risk’

Striking school support workers taking part in a demonstration outside First Minister John Swinney's constituency office in Blairgowrie.

Council workers sent strike ballots in ‘biggest vote of its kind in years’

Health campaigners have called on the Government to take urgent action to protect infants and young children following a study that found top brands are selling sugar-heavy, nutritionally poor baby food.

Infants and young children should be protected from sugar-heavy unhealthy baby food, campaigners say

The takeaway has been accused of "ripping people off" after it hiked the price of haddock to £8.20.

Fish and chip shop accused of 'ripping people off' as price of haddock hiked to £8.20

A British woman was found beaten to death before her body was discovered in Tremolat, France.

British mother of four, 65, found beaten to death outside her home in picturesque French village

Exclusive
Sadiq Khan

'I'm a proud Englishman', Sir Sadiq Khan says, as he praises 'proper patriotism' - but warns of 'poison of far-right'

Clive Standish, pictured in 2007

Sheep-farming former banker gave wife £80m to avoid paying inheritance tax before they divorced