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Type 26 vs Type 31

Type 26 vs Type 31 at a glance — displacement 8,000 vs 5,700 tons, length 149 vs 138 m, speed 26 vs 28 knots, crew 157 vs 110.

Specifications
Type 26 Type 31
Origin 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Frigate Frigate
Type Anti-submarine frigate General-purpose frigate
Manufacturer BAE Systems, Govan and Scotstoun Babcock International, Rosyth
Year introduced 2026 2027
Number built 8 units 5 units
Estimated unit price $1,600 million $340 million
Displacement 8,000 tons 5,700 tons
Maximum speed 26.0 knots 28.0 knots
Range 7,000 nm 9,000 nm at 18 knots
Length 149.9 m 138.7 m
Beam 20.8 m 19.8 m
Crew 157 110
Performance Radar Chart
Armament & Systems
Type 26 Type 31
Armament
  • 24-cell Mk 41 strike-length VLS
  • 48 × Sea Ceptor (CAMM) air-defence missiles
  • 1 × 127 mm Mk 45 gun
  • 2 × 30 mm guns, Phalanx CIWS
  • Reconfigurable mission bay
  • Type 2087 towed array sonar
  • 12+ × Sea Ceptor (CAMM) air-defence missiles
  • 1 × 57 mm Bofors Mk 110 gun
  • 2 × 40 mm Bofors Mk 4 guns
  • Fitted for Mk 41 VLS
Propulsion CODLOG: Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine + 4 diesel generators, 2 electric motors CODAD: 4 × MAN diesels, 2 shafts
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which has greater displacement, the Type 26-class or Type 31-class?
The Type 26-class has greater displacement at 8,000 tons compared to the Type 31-class's 5,700 tons.
Which is faster, the Type 26-class or Type 31-class?
The Type 31-class is faster with a maximum speed of 28 knots compared to the Type 26-class's 26 knots.
Which has longer range, the Type 26-class or Type 31-class?
The Type 31-class has a longer range at 9,000 nautical miles compared to the Type 26-class's 7,000 nautical miles.
Which is longer, the Type 26-class or Type 31-class?
The Type 26-class is longer at 149.9 meters compared to the Type 31-class's 138.7 meters.
How many crew members do the Type 26-class and Type 31-class have?
The Type 26-class has a larger crew complement of 157 compared to the Type 31-class's 110 crew members.
Which is more expensive, the Type 26-class or Type 31-class?
The Type 26-class is more expensive at approximately $1.6 billion per unit compared to the Type 31-class at $340 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Type 26-class or Type 31-class?
The Type 26-class has been built in greater numbers with 8 vessels compared to 5 vessels of the Type 31-class.