New frigate's spec to be cut

Specifications for a new type of British warship designed by BAE Systems will be scaled back to shrink costs, which could prompt the country to order more ships, defence sources said yesterday.

The Type 26 frigate, due for delivery in the early 2020s, is being developed under the Future Surface Combatant programme. Its specifications will be lowered partly to save money.

One senior defence ministry source said the cost of a ship will be cut to £250-350 million from about £500m.

Read more