UK’s first Type 26 frigate HMS Glasgow approaches sea trials as BAE Systems ramps up production.

• 8 Aug, 2026 – 12:10
• Naval News Navy 2026

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BAE Systems has commenced systems commissioning aboard the first-in-class Type 26 vessel, HMS Glasgow, at its Scotstoun shipyard on the Clyde ahead of maiden sea trials, as confirmed in its 2026 half-year results. The trial preparations mark the transition from structural assembly to operational integration of the frigate’s CODLOG propulsion, Sonar 2087 towed array, and Mk 41 vertical launch systems. Concurrently, BAE Systems is ramping up class-wide production across its Clyde facilities, with five Type 26 hulls under simultaneous construction to streamline delivery timelines for the Royal Navy.

Expected to enter operational service in 2028, HMS Glasgow represents the first of eight planned 8,000-tonne City-class Type 26 frigates featuring a hybrid combined diesel-electric or gas turbine propulsion plant designed to minimize underwater acoustic signatures during anti-submarine warfare operations. The vessel incorporates 48 Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missile canisters, 24 strike-length Mk 41 vertical launch cells, and an integrated sonar architecture comprising the Type 2150 bow sonar and Sonar 2087 low-frequency towed array.

Related topic: Norway joins UK’s Global Combat Ship partnership with Canada and Australia to align Type 26 programs