UK Ministry of Defence Cancels Type 31 Frigate Through-Life Support Contract Competition
The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has cancelled its competition for through-life support (TLS) of the Royal Navy's five Type 31 frigates, according to a contract notice published on 22 July 2026. The MOD stated that changes to the programme context, commercial practicality, and enterprise support planning meant the assumptions underpinning the tender, first advertised in November 2023, no longer hold. The competition had sought management and support services over a minimum eight-year period with extension options. The Type 31 frigates, being built by Babcock International at Rosyth, are intended to replace five Type 23 frigates. The cancellation leaves the sustainment arrangement for the class uncertain, with the MOD indicating a shift in its approach to enterprise support planning since the requirement was first advertised.
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