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First steel cut for new warship HMS Cardiff

Published on: 20 Aug 2019

The first steel has ceremonially been cut for the new warship HMS Cardiff at a ceremony at the BAE Systems shipyard in Govan.

This milestone marks the official start of the build on the newest member of the Royal Navy's Type 26 collection, with defence minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan doing the honours.

Looking on, chief of material ships vice admiral Chris Gardner said: "Type 26 will form a key part of the Royal Navy's future balanced fleet, providing a core component of anti-submarine protection."

Indeed, these cutting-edge new frigates will replace the current anti-submarine Type 23 vessels, as well as providing advanced protection to the Continuous at Sea Deterrent and Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.

Each one will be equipped with a range of high-tech features, including a Sea-Ceptor missile defence system, an embarked helicopter and a five-inch medium calibre gun.

HMS Cardiff and its sister ships will be designed for joint and multinational operations in everything from combat missions to counter-piracy action.

Designed with a lifespan of at least 25 years, the Type 26 frigates will serve in the Royal Navy until the 2060s.