"Providing The Forces With Kit They Deserve" As Work Begins On HMS Spey

The first sheet of steel has been cut to mark work starting on HMS Spey.

She is the fifth ship in a new fleet of offshore patrol vessels and one of two ships being built under a £287 million agreement signed between the MoD and BAE Systems.

Harriett Baldwin, Minister for Defence Procurement, said:

"The ongoing successful delivery of these ships is a key element of the government's ten-year, £178 billion equipment plan to provide the UK's armed forces with the kit they deserve."

Work is also expected to start this summer on the Type 26 Global Combat Ship, which will replace the Type 23 frigate. 

HMS Spey is expected to be delivered to the Royal Navy in 2019 and enter service by 2021.