The Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025 exhibition, set to take place from September 9-12, 2025, in London, is poised to be a landmark event for showcasing cutting-edge naval technology. Among the standout displays will be the British Royal Navy’s Type 26 frigate, also known as the Global Combat Ship, which is set to redefine undersea warfare capabilities, particularly in the strategically critical High North region. This advanced warship, designed by BAE Systems, represents a pinnacle of modern naval engineering, with a focus on anti-submarine warfare (ASW), stealth, and multi-role versatility. As global naval powers increasingly turn their attention to the Arctic and North Atlantic, the Type 26’s advanced capabilities position it as a critical asset for NATO and allied forces. This article delves into the significance of the Type 26 frigate, its technological innovations, its role at DSEI 2025, and its strategic importance in the evolving landscape of maritime defense.
The Type 26 Frigate: A Technological Marvel
The Type 26 frigate, also referred to as the City-class in the Royal Navy, is a state-of-the-art warship designed to replace the aging Type 23 frigates. With a full-load displacement of approximately 8,000 tonnes and a length of nearly 150 meters, the Type 26 is a formidable platform optimized for anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and multi-mission operations. Its Combined Diesel-Electric or Gas (CODLOG) propulsion system, featuring a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine, four MTU 20V 4000 M53B diesel generators, and two electric motors, ensures exceptional fuel efficiency and reduced acoustic signatures, making it ideal for stealth operations in submarine-hunting missions. This propulsion configuration allows the frigate to achieve speeds exceeding 26 knots and a range of over 7,000 nautical miles, providing the endurance needed for extended deployments in challenging environments like the High North.
The Type 26’s sensor suite is equally impressive, featuring the Type 997 Artisan 3D radar, Sonar 2087 towed array, and Ultra Electronics Type 2150 bow sonar. These systems provide unparalleled underwater detection capabilities, enabling the frigate to track and counter advanced submarine threats, such as Russia’s Yasen-class or China’s Type 093 submarines, even in acoustically complex environments like the Arctic. The integrated Sonar 2087 towed array, a low-frequency active-passive sonar system, is particularly effective for long-range submarine detection, while the hull-mounted sonar creates a layered acoustic barrier. The frigate’s advanced combat management system (CMS) processes acoustic data with precision, delivering high-fidelity threat detection, classification, and tracking.
Beyond its ASW prowess, the Type 26 is equipped with the Sea Ceptor missile system, utilizing Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles (CAMM) for robust air defense against supersonic missiles and drone swarms. Its mission bay, a 4,500-square-foot flexible space, allows for rapid reconfiguration to deploy unmanned drones, special forces, or humanitarian aid, making the frigate adaptable to a wide range of operational scenarios. This versatility ensures the Type 26 can pivot seamlessly between combat, reconnaissance, and disaster relief missions.
DSEI 2025: A Showcase of Naval Innovation
DSEI 2025, one of the world’s largest defense and security exhibitions, will provide a unique platform for the Type 26 frigate to demonstrate its capabilities. The event will feature four warships, including the Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigate HMS Iron Duke, the Archer-class patrol vessel HMS Example, Belgium’s BNS Pollux, and Germany’s FGS Sachsen, alongside live demonstrations of autonomous naval systems on the River Thames. The Type 26, represented by ships like HMS Glasgow and HMS Sheffield, will be a focal point, highlighting its role as a cornerstone of modern naval warfare. Visitors will witness firsthand how the frigate’s advanced sensors, stealth features, and weaponry position it as a game-changer in undersea warfare.
The event will also showcase autonomous technologies, such as the L3Harris Shadow Fox autonomous surface vehicle, ACUA Ocean’s USV Pioneer, and Latvia’s VIC TEC unmanned craft, which complement the Type 26’s capabilities. These systems, capable of deploying torpedoes and air defense systems, underscore the growing integration of manned and unmanned platforms in naval operations. Rear Admiral (retired) Jon Pentreath, Senior Naval Advisor to DSEI, emphasized the event’s significance, stating, “This year’s DSEI UK is particularly exciting about representation from the maritime domain. The presence of warships and other vessels from the UK and allies such as Belgium, Denmark, Germany, and Latvia is really what makes DSEI UK unique in the defence trade show calendar.”
Strategic Importance in the High North
The High North, encompassing the Arctic and North Atlantic, is a region of growing strategic importance due to increasing Russian and Chinese naval activity, competition for resources, and the protection of critical undersea infrastructure. Norway’s recent selection of the Type 26 for its navy, in a $13.5 billion deal, underscores the frigate’s relevance in this contested region. The Norwegian variants, designed to be near-identical to the Royal Navy’s City-class, will enhance interoperability, enabling joint operations, maintenance, and potentially crew interchangeability. This partnership strengthens NATO’s ability to secure sea lines of communication and deter threats in the North Atlantic.
The Type 26’s acoustically quiet hull and advanced sonar systems are particularly suited for the High North’s challenging acoustic environment. Its ability to detect and track stealthy submarines over vast distances makes it a critical asset for countering Russia’s growing submarine presence, which threatens NATO’s maritime security. Additionally, the frigate’s mission bay supports the deployment of anti-submarine helicopters and unmanned systems, further enhancing its effectiveness in undersea warfare.
Global Impact and Industrial Benefits
The Type 26 program has garnered international attention, with Australia and Canada adopting the design for their Hunter-class and River-class frigates, respectively. This global adoption transforms the Type 26 into a 29-ship program, fostering allied interoperability and creating significant industrial opportunities for UK defense suppliers. The deal with Norway, which includes industrial cooperation equivalent to the full value of the acquisition, will support thousands of jobs in the UK and Norway, boosting both nations’ defense industries.
The Type 26’s export success highlights its cost-effectiveness and adaptability, making it an attractive option for nations seeking advanced, yet affordable, naval platforms. Its modular design and open architecture allow for future upgrades, ensuring the frigate remains relevant in the face of evolving threats, such as hypersonic missiles and advanced electronic warfare systems.
Comparison with Other Naval Platforms
While the Type 26 excels in ASW, other frigates, such as the U.S. Navy’s Constellation-class and South Korea’s FFX-Batch IV, offer different strengths. The Constellation-class, based on the Franco-Italian FREMM design, is a multi-mission platform with a focus on anti-air and surface warfare, but it has faced delays due to design and workforce challenges. South Korea’s FFX-Batch IV frigates prioritize electronic warfare and stealth, with advanced radar and missile systems, but lack the Type 26’s specialized ASW capabilities. The Type 26’s combination of stealth, sensor technology, and mission flexibility sets it apart as a leading platform for high-intensity naval operations.
The Future of Naval Warfare
The Type 26 frigate represents a paradigm shift in naval warfare, blending cutting-edge technology with strategic flexibility. Its ability to operate in contested environments, from the High North to the Indo-Pacific, ensures the Royal Navy and its allies remain at the forefront of maritime power projection. At DSEI 2025, the Type 26 will not only showcase its technical prowess but also underscore the importance of allied cooperation in addressing global security challenges. As the Royal Navy transitions to a modernized fleet, with eight Type 26 frigates (HMS Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast, Birmingham, Sheffield, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and London) expected to enter service by the 2030s, the program will serve as a cornerstone of Britain’s naval strategy.
Conclusion
The Type 26 frigate’s appearance at DSEI 2025 will mark a significant milestone in the evolution of naval warfare. Its advanced ASW capabilities, stealth features, and multi-role versatility position it as a critical asset for the Royal Navy and its allies, particularly in the High North. As global tensions rise and maritime threats evolve, the Type 26 stands ready to safeguard critical sea lanes, protect national interests, and strengthen NATO’s collective defense. With its global adoption and industrial benefits, the Type 26 is not just a warship but a symbol of innovation, cooperation, and resilience in the face of modern challenges.
