Investigation opened into 'sabotage' on board Royal Navy warship

Defence contractor BAE Systems is investigating a "sabotage incident" on board the Royal Navy warship HMS Glasgow, in which 60 cables were said to have been intentionally severed.

The Type 26 frigate is an advanced anti-submarine warfare vessel tasked with protecting the Trident nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers and is undergoing work at the BAE Systems yard in Scotstoun, Glasgow.

A spokesman said the cables appear to have been "damaged intentionally" and that work on the ship has now resumed.

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A report in the UK Defence Journal, an online military publication, said disgruntled contractors may have been responsible for the damage.

A BAE Systems spokesperson said: "We uncovered a limited number of cables on HMS Glasgow earlier in the week, which appear to have been damaged intentionally.

"We immediately launched an internal investigation, alongside our suppliers, and temporarily paused work on the ship to inspect every area of the vessel and ensure our high standards and quality controls are met.

"Normal operations have now resumed and an assessment is under way to scope the repairs needed."

Last year Defence Secretary Ben Wallace praised the "remarkable achievement" of shipbuilders and said the Type 26 was coming out of the shipyard late but not "catastrophically" so, saying he is confident HMS Glasgow and the other frigates will enter service in time.

HMS Glasgow is expected to enter service by 2028.

An MOD spokesperson said: "We are aware there has been an incident on HMS Glasgow, which is currently under investigation by BAE Systems. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."