The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that a new fleet of Royal Navy frigates will be based at Portsmouth Naval Base, strengthening the city’s long-standing maritime heritage.
All five of the new Type 31 general-purpose frigates, currently under construction in Rosyth, Fife, will be stationed in Portsmouth, replacing the five outgoing Type 23 general-purpose frigates. The first of the new class is expected to enter service in the next few years.
Speaking about the announcement, Portsmouth City Council leader Steve Pitt welcomed the news, calling it “important to the city” and a positive step in securing the future of the naval base.
The Type 31 vessels will play a vital role in the Royal Navy’s operations, undertaking missions that include intercepting illegal maritime activity, gathering intelligence, and conducting defence diplomacy. These state-of-the-art ships will be equipped with advanced technology, including a supersonic anti-air missile system, Bofors naval guns, and a 4D radar system. Each frigate will also have the capacity to host a Royal Navy helicopter onboard.
Portsmouth is already home to a number of key naval assets, including six Type 45 destroyers and the two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard, who recently visited Portsmouth for the deployment of HMS Prince of Wales, hinted at the announcement earlier this week. He also confirmed that the ships will undergo refits and maintenance locally, further boosting the region’s defence economy.
“This is fantastic news for Portsmouth,” said Mr Pitt. “Securing these additional warships reinforces the naval base’s future and highlights its significance to the city.”
Meanwhile, the MoD also announced that the eight new Type 26 anti-submarine frigates will be based at HMNB Devonport in Plymouth, as previously expected.
Armed Forces Minister Pollard added that the government will increase spending on both the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines as part of the broader boost to the national defence budget. A comprehensive Strategic Defence Review is due to be published later this spring.
