HMS Venturer Unveiled: Royal Navy’s First Type 31 Frigate
HMS Venturer, the Royal Navy’s first Type 31 frigate, was unveiled at Babcock’s Rosyth shipyard on May 27, 2025. The warship marks a major achievement in the UK’s £10 billion (approximately $13.5 billion) plan to modernize its surface fleet. Venturer is the leading ship among the five Inspiration-class Type 31 frigates constructed by Babcock International. This program is designed to deliver flexible, general-purpose warships quickly and affordably. The 2019 contract, worth approximately £1.25 billion (approximately $1.69 billion), aims to replace aging Type 23 frigates and strengthen the UK shipbuilding industry. The Type 31 program includes five ships: HMS Venturer, HMS Active, HMS Bulldog, HMS Campbeltown, and HMS Formidable. After outfitting and sea trials in 2026, HMS Venturer will be commissioned in 2027.
Venturer (hull number F12) showcases its modern design with a bulbous bow that enhances speed and fuel efficiency. The Type 31 frigates are based on Arrowhead 140 design which evolved from the Odense Maritime Technology Iver Huitfeldt-class, these are versatile, general-purpose warships capable of operations ranging from patrol and escort to disaster relief, with provisions for helicopters and drones. Compared to older Type 23 frigates, the new ships are about 60% larger. The additional hulls will enhance the Royal Navy’s global presence.
HMS Venturer measures approximately 139 meters in length and displaces around 5,700 tons. It features a combined diesel-electric and diesel-mechanical propulsion system, allowing a top speed exceeding 25 knots and a range greater than 7,000 nautical miles. Its planned crew is about 120 sailors, significantly fewer than the 180–200 on older frigates, because of modern automation and efficient design. Its armament will include the MBDA Sea Ceptor air-defense missile system (32 vertical-launch cells), a 57mm Mk110 main gun, and two 40mm Bofors guns. Its sensors and combat systems comprise a Thales TACTICOS suite with an NS110 radar and an MRS4 fire-control radar, and the ship has a flight deck and hangar for a helicopter and drones.
The Type 31 frigates are designed for global missions and can operate in tough environments to support NATO and allied operations. They will help the Royal Navy maintain a strong presence in key areas like the Indo-Pacific, North Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Persian Gulf. The launch of HMS Venturer shows the UK’s commitment to building a modern, flexible, and affordable fleet. The Type 31 program boosts the Royal Navy’s strength while supporting British shipbuilding and global defense goals.