It is no secret that the Chilean Navy plans, by the end of the current decade and the beginning of the next, to operate a new series of frigates based on next-generation surface combat platforms. The distinctive feature—following the evolution of the country’s naval shipbuilding capabilities, centered around ASMAR—is that these new combat vessels, envisioned as replacements for the current Type 23 frigates, will be built locally in partnership with foreign companies.
For this reason, in recent years and in response to Chile’s naval projection needs, the United Kingdom—both through its government and its defense industrial base—has been positioning the Type 31 frigates, also known as the Inspiration-class, currently being built by Babcock International in Scotland for the Royal Navy, as the future replacement for Chile’s Type 23s.
One of the most recent signs of these intentions—linked both to the ongoing program to equip the Royal Navy and to current programs undertaken by Poland (Miecznik-class) and Indonesia (Red White-class)—took place during the unveiling ceremony of HMS Active, the second British frigate included in the first batch of five ships.
As part of the ceremony, during which the vessel left the assembly facilities in Rosyth, Scotland—marking a new milestone in its construction and likely to be followed by its launch—it also symbolically marked the beginning of production of the fourth frigate for the Royal Navy, which will be named HMS Bulldog.
However, as part of the celebrations, a video projected onto the shipyard workshops drew public attention, as it displayed the flags of current program partners—or countries with units currently under construction—as well as those of future and potential operators that could choose the Type 31 to renew their surface fleets.
Among them, the presence of Chile’s flag did not go unnoticed, nor did that of Denmark, whose navy is already planning the replacement of its Type 23 and Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates. The flags of Sweden, New Zealand, and South Korea were also visible.
Finally, in Chile’s case, officials from the Ministry of Defense, as well as naval and industrial authorities, have been holding various meetings and engagements with representatives of the UK government and companies involved in the Arrowhead program.
Although there is no official decision yet, it is not far-fetched to consider the Type 31 as the natural replacement for the current Type 23 frigates in service with the Chilean Navy, which were acquired years ago from the Royal Navy. This is no minor issue, as Chile’s naval industry has demonstrated a growing level of maturity in building increasingly complex military vessels, as evidenced by the recently commissioned icebreaker Almirante Viel, soon to be joined by four multipurpose vessels under the Escotillón IV Project.
Regardless of Chile’s final choice, the country will almost certainly build the next generation of combat ships that will safeguard its sovereignty along its extensive maritime coastline with its own hands, honoring its national motto: “By reason or by force.”
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