Talks To Restart Over Type 31e Competition

An artist's impression of what the Type 31e could look like. (Image: BAE Systems).

Discussions over the UK's Type 31e fleet of frigates are to restart next week.

The process to find a contractor to build the vessels was put on hold last month due to insufficient competition - a move criticised at the time by Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, Luke Pollard.

The Ministry of Defence says they want the first Type 31e to be delivered within five years.

An MoD spokesperson said:

"We have issued a Prior Information Notice for our new Type 31e fleet and plan to start discussions with industry next week to ensure we do not lose any momentum.

 "There have been no changes in our plans to procure a first batch of five new Type 31e frigates to grow our Royal Navy.

"We still want the first ship delivered by 2023 and are confident that industry will meet the challenge of providing them for the price tag we’ve set."

More: Type 31e Frigate Contractor Process Paused.