Getting active: Royal Navy's newest Type 31 frigate enters the water for the first time

Shortly after two of the Royal Navy's new Type 31 frigates rolled out of the build hall at Rosyth Dockyard in Fife, the programme has achieved yet another milestone.

HMS Active, the second vessel in the Inspiration-class, has completed her float-off process, where a barge was submerged beneath her, and she entered the water for the first time. 

She is one of five vessels scheduled to be in service by the early 2030s – forming a component of the shift towards a Hybrid Navy, where traditional vessels work in tandem with uncrewed vessels and autonomous systems. 

• A landmark day for Type 31s as HMS Active rolls out while work begins on Bulldog
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• Maritime autonomous systems: What it would take to make the Hybrid Navy work

Capable and versatile 

Steve Ranyard, team leader at DE&S, said: "The float-off of HMS Active is another landmark moment for the Type 31 programme and a proud day for everyone involved in her delivery.

"This milestone reflects the pace and professionalism of the entire programme team at Rosyth and across the UK supply chain, as we continue to make real, tangible progress towards delivering a capable and versatile new frigate for the Royal Navy."

Based on the Arrowhead 140 design, the 5,700-tonne general-purpose frigates are equipped with 57mm and 40mm guns, as well as the MK41 Vertical Launch System (VLS), which greatly enhances their lethality. 

The VLS system can launch a multitude of missiles, including the Standard Missile variants SM-2, SM-3 and SM-6, as well as Tomahawk cruise missiles.  

Her flight deck is large enough to accommodate Chinook helicopters, and the vessels will come with three Pacific 24 inflatable boats, which can be utilised for board-and-search tasks and counter-narcotic operations.    

Programme Senior Responsible Owner of the Type 31 programme, Commodore Stephen Roberts, said: "HMS Active will serve as a formidable defender of our national security and a powerful asset for Nato in an increasingly dangerous world.

"For the Royal Navy, the float-off provides a visual opportunity to highlight the pride and importance of having world-class ships to protect the nation from those who would wish to do us harm."

HMS Active will now undergo further outfit work before test and commissioning take place.