Engineering news
An £859 million investment in the next generation of Royal Navy frigates, which will sustain 1,700 jobs across the country, has been announced by the government.
Prime minister David Cameron said the money will be spent on developing the Type 26 warship, which will be built on the Clyde in Scotland.
The ship will replace Type 23s, with around 13 expected to be built by BAE Systems for service in the early 2020s.
About 600 jobs will be safeguarded in Scotland, with other BAE Systems sites and 30 supply chain firms also benefiting in areas including Derbyshire, West Yorkshire, Manchester, Cheshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Hampshire.
Defence secretary Michael Fallon said: "This announcement is a clear vote of confidence in British industry and forms part of our commitment to invest over £160 billion in equipment and equipment support over the next 10 years.
"As a result, our military will have some of the most impressive and technologically-advanced capabilities in the world, from the aircraft carriers and the F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to the Type 45 destroyers, Scout armoured vehicles, the A400M and the Astute Class submarines."
BAE Systems chief executive Ian King added: "Through the Type 26 programme, we are transforming the way we design and manufacture naval ships with innovative new technologies, leading-edge processes and modern infrastructure. New ways of working ensure we can continue to deliver the highest quality equipment at the lowest possible cost and compete effectively for future UK and international orders."
The first Type 26 is due to enter service as soon as possible after 2020 and will remain in service until 2060.