The Royal Navy is undertaking its “biggest rebuild since the Second World War,” according to First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, outlining a modernization program that spans nuclear submarines, frigates, and autonomous systems.
Jenkins detailed the recapitalization effort on 10 November 2026 at the International Sea Power Conference in Norway, pointing to construction under way and longer-term plans designed to meet potential threats by the end of the decade. The stated scope of shipbuilding represents approximately 280,000 tonnes of new steel across existing programs, a figure that rises to around 450,000 tonnes when including planned programs.
The construction schedule features 13 frigates, consisting of eight Type 26 anti-submarine frigates built on the Clyde and five Type 31 general-purpose frigates constructed at Rosyth. The first Type 26 frigate, HMS Glasgow, is expected to become operational in 2028. Four Dreadnought-class submarines are also intended to replace Vanguard-class boats carrying the UK nuclear deterrent, while the Astute attack submarine program will be followed by up to 12 next-generation submarines under the AUKUS partnership.
In addition to these vessels, Jenkins referred in his Oslo speech to four Fleet Solid Support ships. Yet, public records lack confirmation regarding an extra fourth vessel, as both the Ministry of Defence’s September 2026 announcement and its November Belfast shipbuilding update outline a three-ship program.
The naval renewal follows years of concern over front-line vessel availability. Between April 2025 and April 2026, four frigates and two landing craft departed the fleet, leaving the Navy holding a total of 52 surface vessels by April 2026—a count that encompasses diverse craft rather than ready combat warships, as indicated by official equipment data.
Parliament’s Defence Committee warned in an October 2026 report that the service had only five towed-array-equipped anti-submarine frigates against a requirement of eight. This replacement programme does not, by itself, resolve the Navy’s immediate shortfalls, and a key near-term test remains whether availability improves before replacements arrive.
Against this backdrop of capability questions, the Liberal Democrats proposed expanding domestic shipbuilding capacity through four new shipyards and six additional Royal Navy frigates. The party said the suggested warship orders and shipyard enhancements would secure a sustained workload for Britain's defense sector, increasing investment, preserving engineering expertise, and expanding local manufacturing capabilities.
Polling commissioned by the Liberal Democrats was released alongside the announcement, revealing that 60% of participants feel the UK administration fails to adequately defend vital infrastructure—such as underwater cables—against Russian aggression. The party also pointed to increased Royal Navy monitoring activity around UK waters, stating the navy is spending 25% more time monitoring Russian vessels than during the previous two years. Concerns have also been raised over Russian military activity near critical maritime infrastructure.
Officials reported that a Russian attack submarine along with two espionage submarines spent a month in May operating near underwater cables located in the North Atlantic. The political group also highlighted a June incident involving a Russian warship that allegedly discharged warning shots toward a yacht near the Isle of Wight, while Russian naval vessels escorted ships suspected of dodging international sanctions.
The Navy is advancing a future fleet featuring crewed and uncrewed vessels.