Production begins on 'next generation' Destroyer

Production of the second of the Royal Navy's next generation Destroyers has been officially launched at BAE Systems' shipyard at Govan in Glasgow today.

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Alan West signalled the start of production on the Type 45 Anti-Air Warfare Destroyer by cutting the first sheet of steel this morning.

HMS Dauntless is the second of six ships ordered by the MoD to be built by BAE Systems on the Clyde and by VT Group at Portsmouth.

The current forecast cost of HMS Daring, Dauntless, Diamond, Defender, Dragon and Duncan is £5.5 billion and their construction is expected to sustain around 2,000 jobs on the Clyde and around 650 at Vosper Thornycroft in Portsmouth. In addition, many other UK companies are benefiting from work on the programme, including over 30 who are sub-contracted to the prime contractor.

Admiral West said: "This is a really momentous occasion, because the steel I am cutting today officially starts the building of a ship which will form part of the most advanced air destroyer fleet in the world, and will provide a crucial capability for our powerful and modern Royal Navy.

"It's also not just about ships, it's about people. Clearly the MoD's UK shipbuilding programme is sustaining hundreds of jobs in Scotland, and creating tremendous opportunities for the 100 new apprentices starting work here today. These men and women are making a major and worthwhile contribution to defence in the UK and throughout the world, whilst continuing the proud history of ship-building on the Clyde for many years to come. I wish them the very best."

At around 7,350 tonnes in weight and over 150 metres long, the Type 45s will be the biggest and most powerful air defence destroyers ever built for the Royal Navy. The current contract, with BAE Systems as the Prime Contractor, is for six ships.

The Type 45 will be equipped with the world-leading Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS), and will provide a huge advance in technology when it enters service later in the decade.

Minister for Defence Procurement, Lord Bach said: "It is extremely satisfying that production of the second-of-class is now underway. The Type 45 will give our forces a truly world-class destroyer, complete with one of the most advanced air defence systems available.

"There is no doubt this new class of Destroyer will set new standards. The Type 45 represents a 21st Century response to the most sophisticated threats that might face UK or Allied ships in the years to come.

"When combined with the new aircraft carriers, our new attack submarines, and a range of other new amphibious vessels currently under construction, this demonstrates our firm commitment to maintaining and enhancing our maritime capabilities."

(gmcg)