As part of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet renewal program, the frigate HMS Venturer, the first of the new Type 31 class, has reached a major milestone with the installation of its integrated mast. The operation, carried out at Babcock’s Rosyth shipyard, marks a decisive step in the ship’s fitting-out phase, providing the essential structure for the integration of advanced sensors and next-generation combat systems.
The mast, weighing 24 tons, was manufactured at the Rosyth complex and subsequently moved to the dock to be lifted and placed onto the ship’s structure. With this addition, the vessel’s profile is now almost fully defined. Unlike the Type 26 frigate, whose main mast is made of composite material to reduce weight, the Type 31 uses a simpler steel superstructure, which will serve as a platform for radars, electronic warfare systems, and electro-optical equipment.
Among the systems installed on the mast are the Thales NS110 air surveillance radar, the Terma Scanter I-band navigation radar, as well as antennas for the Royal Navy’s new Radar Electronic Support Measures (RESM) system. In addition, it includes the pedestal for the Mirador Mk2 electro-optical system, ensuring that HMS Venturer will be equipped with a comprehensive sensor suite for surveillance, air defense, and maritime domain awareness operations.
This progress follows a series of recent milestones in the ship’s construction. On May 27, structural assembly was completed, while on June 14 the vessel was launched at Leith docks in Edinburgh, marking its first contact with the sea. The frigate was later returned to dry dock in Rosyth to begin the installation phase for systems, engines, and combat equipment.
HMS Venturer is part of the Inspiration class, comprising five Type 31 frigates that will replace the veteran Type 23s. With a length of 139 meters and a displacement of around 5,700 tons, these frigates have been designed with efficiency and modularity in mind, carrying a reduced crew of 120 compared to the 180–200 of their predecessors. This will lower operating costs and facilitate the integration of technological upgrades throughout their service life.
In terms of armament, HMS Venturer will be fitted with a 57 mm Bofors Mk 110 main gun, capable of defending against both air and surface threats, complemented by two 40 mm Bofors Mk 4 automatic guns for close-in defense. It will also feature the Sea Ceptor missile system, designed to intercept multiple aerial targets simultaneously, providing area air defense coverage. Additionally, a large flight deck will accommodate Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, expanding its anti-submarine and surface warfare capabilities.
The Type 31 program, with an estimated investment of £10 billion, is one of the cornerstones of the UK’s “Future Fleet.” Alongside HMS Venturer, the frigates HMS Active, HMS Formidable, and HMS Bulldog are currently at various stages of construction, underscoring the sustained progress of the series. Babcock projects that the first unit will be fully fitted out by 2026, with entry into service expected soon after.
With the installation of its integrated mast, HMS Venturer is moving steadily toward its final outfitting stage. The Royal Navy expects these multipurpose frigates not only to reinforce the UK’s maritime defense but also to serve as versatile platforms in international scenarios, contributing to the security of sea lanes, NATO operations, and rapid-response missions to global emergencies.
Image credits: Navy Lookout
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