BAE Systems has been awarded a $4,8 billion contract on 29 June for Batch 1 construction of  the UK Royal Navy's new Type 26 frigates, consisting of three platforms of a planned class of eight. The contract for the second batch of five ships is expected to be negotiated in the early 2020s. The company will begin production later this month, holding a steel cutting ceremony at BAE Systems' Govan facility on the River Clyde. 

6,900-tonne Type 26s will replace eight anti-submarine warfare (ASW) configured Type 23 frigates of the Royal Navy.