Royal Navy's new Type 26 frigate emerges for first time in Glasgow

A section of HMS Cardiff – the second Type 26 City Class frigate – has emerged from the ship build hall at BAE Systems in Govan, Glasgow.

The forward end of the ship has been completed at the hall and has been brought out of the facility for the first time.

When complete, she will provide the Royal Navy with the most advanced anti-submarine warfare capability in the world.

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HMS Cardiff will undergo further structural work on the hardstand before being floated off and transported along the Clyde to BAE Systems' Scotstoun facility in 2024.

Construction of all eight Type 26 frigates is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s.

With preparation work under way for the construction of a new £100m-plus ship build hall at the Govan site, HMS Cardiff will be the last of the frigates to have its hull sections integrated on the hardstand in the open air.

Simon Lister, managing director of BAE Systems Naval Ships business, described the emergence of HMS Cardiff's front section as "a very proud moment for everyone involved in her construction".

"We have now completed all major units of the ship and, in the coming weeks, our skilled teams will consolidate the ship in preparation for next year's float-off," he said.

"The rollout is further evidence of our solid progress on delivering the Type 26 programme and presents an opportunity for us to celebrate the achievement being made with our colleagues, suppliers, customer and the cities of Cardiff and Glasgow."