The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Politics & World›Military›Type 26 frigate
Politics & World • Military

Type 26 frigate

The Type 26 frigate, also known as the City-class frigate, is a class of anti-submarine warfare warships being built for the Royal Navy, with variants also ordered or selected for Australia, Canada and Norway.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Type 26 frigate, also known as the City-class frigate, is a class of anti-submarine warfare warships being built for the Royal Navy, with variants also ordered or selected for Australia, Canada and Norway. The programme was originally launched as the Global Combat Ship to replace the Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigates and to support export sales.

Design and role

The Type 26 is designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, with additional air defence and general-purpose capability. UK defence sources describe it as a flexible 21st-century warship intended for warfighting, maritime security and international engagement.

Royal Navy programme

The Royal Navy version of the ship is the City class, and the programme includes eight vessels. It is based at HMNB Devonport and is intended to replace the Type 23 ASW frigates.

International variants

The design has been adopted beyond the United Kingdom. Australia, Canada and Norway have each chosen Type 26-based warships for future service, making it a multinational programme.

Construction and service timeline

Construction of the first unit began in 2017. Official sources indicate that the first Royal Navy ship was expected to enter service in 2028, with the class remaining in service into the 2060s.

Key facts

  • The Type 26 was developed as the Royal Navy’s next-generation anti-submarine warfare frigate.
  • The British programme was launched to replace thirteen Type 23 frigates and to support export orders.
  • The Royal Navy ships are known as the City class and are expected to serve into the 2060s.
  • Australia, Canada and Norway have each adopted or selected Type 26-based designs for their own fleets.
  • The design is intended to support anti-submarine warfare, air defence and general-purpose missions.
🍁
Canadian context

Canada selected a Type 26-based design for its Canadian Surface Combatant programme, making the class relevant to Canadian naval procurement and future fleet renewal.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Type 26 frigate?
It is a class of frigate designed mainly for anti-submarine warfare and built for the Royal Navy, with export and partner-navy variants.
Why is it also called the City class?
The Royal Navy’s Type 26 ships are named after UK cities, so the class is commonly called the City class.
What was the programme called before?
The programme was originally known as the Global Combat Ship.
Which countries are using Type 26-based ships?
The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Norway are the main navies associated with the Type 26 design.
What is its main mission?
Its primary mission is anti-submarine warfare, though it is also designed for air defence and general-purpose operations.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_26_frigate
    Supports: General overview, alternate names, programme purpose, partner navies, and service timeline.
  2. UK Ministry of Defence / Defence Equipment & Support — https://www.defenceequipmentandsupport.mod.uk/what-we-do/navy-procurement-support/type-26-frigate/
    Supports: Royal Navy role, City class name, eight-ship programme, Devonport base, and planned service dates.
  3. Royal Navy — https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/equipment/ships/city-class
    Supports: Displacement, length, speed, range, anti-submarine role, and weapons fit.
  4. Naval Technology — https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/type-26-gcs-programme-uk/
    Supports: Global Combat Ship programme context, export variants, and UK shipbuilding details.
  5. Royal United Services Institute — https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/norways-purchase-type-26-frigates
    Supports: Norway’s selection of the Type 26 design.