HMS Formidable Keel Ceremony Marks Progress in Type 31 Frigate Program

The Keel Laying Ceremony of HMS Formidable

Babcock recently conducted the keel laying ceremony for the third Type 31 frigate, the future His Majesty's Ship (HMS) Formidable, at its Rosyth Dockyard on the Firth of Forth in Scotland. This significant event brought together shipyard workers, their families, engineers, and invited guests, following a long-standing naval tradition of placing a coin beneath the keel.

Joolz Hunter, a 17-year-old welding and fabrication apprentice from Rosyth and the youngest participant in the Inspiration-class programme, was honored to place the newly-minted coin. The coin features the crest of Formidable on one side and the Babcock logo on the other, symbolizing the collaboration between the company and the Royal Navy.

Work on HMS Formidable began in October 2024 with the cutting of the first steel. In February of this year, shipbuilders lifted and turned the keel section to mark the start of construction on the engine room. Following the keel laying, the vessel will be assembled from 170 modules to form the warship.

When complete, Formidable will operate under the White Ensign and conduct general naval duties across international waters. The ship is part of the Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates, designed to replace the aging Type 23 vessels.

Babcock’s Role in Defense Programs

Nick Hine, chief executive of Babcock's marine sector, emphasized the importance of the event: "This is an important week in the history of Rosyth. As the keel of HMS Formidable is laid in this vital and fast-paced UK defense programme, our advanced design and build capability will also now support the delivery of the US Virginia class submarines - a critical component of the AUKUS trilateral partnership between Australia, the US and the UK."

He added, "Our workforce here in Rosyth is delivering some of the most advanced international defense programmes, driving economic growth and providing highly skilled jobs to our surrounding communities here in Scotland."

Currently, only HMS Venturer, the first of five ships in the Type 31 Inspiration-class, has an assigned crew overseeing all three vessels under construction. Venturer is now afloat at Babcock’s yard for final fitting work. The second ship in the series, HMS Active, is scheduled to leave the assembly hall in 2026. Preparations are also underway for work on HMS Bulldog, the fourth frigate in the class.

Strategic Importance of the Type 31 Frigates

The Type 31 frigates will be based in Portsmouth as part of efforts to replace ageing Type 23 vessels. Their tasks will include counter-smuggling operations, disaster relief deployment, and maritime security patrols.

Steve Ranyard, DE&S Type 31 team leader, stated, "Today’s keel laying marks another key milestone towards the Royal Navy’s future capabilities. This demonstrates the excellent progress we’re making in delivering these versatile frigates. The Type 31 programme is not only strengthening our naval fleet but also driving growth and prosperity across the UK’s maritime sector.”

Conclusion

The keel laying ceremony of HMS Formidable signifies a major step forward in the development of the Type 31 frigates. It highlights the collaborative efforts between Babcock and the Royal Navy, as well as the broader implications for the UK's defense strategy and maritime industry. With the completion of HMS Formidable and the subsequent ships, the Royal Navy will enhance its operational capabilities while supporting economic growth and job creation in Scotland and beyond.