Type 31

Military Capability

Record date: 31 March 2026

Whole-life cost: Not disclosed
Published schedule: 01/04/2016 – 31/07/2033
NISTA delivery confidence: RED
Senior responsible owner: Stephen Roberts

What the project is for

The Type 31 general purpose frigate programme is designed to deliver a general purpose frigate capability and act as the pathfinder programme for the Government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. T31 will be at the heart of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet, deterring aggression and maintaining the security of the UK’s interests. They will work alongside our Allies to deliver a credible UK warship presence across the globe. Flexible and adaptable by design, T31 frigates will undertake missions such as interception and disruption of those using the sea for unlawful purposes, collecting intelligence, conducting defence engagement, and assisting those in need.

Departmental delivery commentary

Compared to financial year 24/25 Q4, the NISTA/SRO Delivery Confidence Assessment (DCA) rating at 25/26 Q4 remained at Red. This is primarily due to the following factors‚ 1. Successful delivery to meet the User Requirements remains on track, but the impact of inflation will require a reset of the programme’s Approved Budgetary Limit following announcement of the Defence Investment Plan. 2. Challenges also remain in the first of class schedule against an ambitious build timeline, and the complex integration challenges.

Schedule

Compared to financial year 24/25-Q4, the programme end-date at 25/26-Q4 remained the same at 31/05/2030.

Cost

Exempt under Section 43 - Commercial interests

Benefits

Compared to financial year 24/25-Q4, the project's departmentally agreed Benefits at 25/26-Q4 (measured in £m) remained at 0. This is primarily due to the following factors. No monetised benefits.