UK Presents New Prospective Warship

21.08.2012 British defense ministry promulgated project of a new prospective multipurpose warship Type 26 GCS (Global Combat Ship). The new ship is expected to join the Royal Navy after 2020 and be used in naval and humanitarian operations, antipiracy activities, and maintain security at sea lanes.

According to the project developed by British company BAE Systems, the new ship will displace 5,400 tons being 148-meter long. Type 26 is designed under stealth technology.

It is planned to mount vertical missile launchers on the ship, as well as a medium-caliber gun mount, most up-to-date radars, electronic warfare and sensor systems.

Type 26 is to be equipped with a hangar for a Merlin- or Wildcat-class ship-based helicopter. In addition, the ship will have space and equipment for unmanned aerial, submarine, and surface vehicles. Type 26 project is being developed since 2010.

This defense contract tied with BAE Systems is evaluated as GBP 127 mln.

British defense ministry plans to purchase 13 ships built under new project; however, in prospect the order can be enlarged. In the Royal Navy, Type 26 ships will replace Type 23 frigates.