Govan-built HMS Glasgow to enter water for first time

The defence giant said the ship currently under construction in Govan is set to reach the crucial milestone later this year.

BAE Systems said in its half-year results Scotland highlights: “The Type 26 programme continues to progress well with construction under way on the first three ships.

"Preparations continue for the first of class, HMS Glasgow, to depart our Govan shipyard in Glasgow and enter the water later this year before transitioning to our Scotstoun shipyard for further outfit, test and commissioning.

“Half of the major units of the second ship in class, HMS Cardiff, are erected, while the third ship, HMS Belfast continues to progress after entering manufacture last year.

“Our naval ships business is recruiting 196 apprentices this year, a record number, compared to 93 in 2021.

“We continued our support of Keep Scotland Beautiful’s upstream battle, designed to prevent plastic water reaching the oceans through our rivers. More than 100 colleagues took part in an annual spring clean of the river bank in Govan.”

In the six months to June, the company’s revenues rose to £9.739m against £9.339m over the same period last year.

It also said Cressida Hogg is to become its first female chair, taking over from Sir Roger Carr.

Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems chief executive, said trading in the first half was in line with expectations, adding: “Good operational performance, execution on our strategy and confidence in the outlook enables us today to announce a 5% increase in the interim dividend as well as initiating a new, three-year share buyback programme for up to £1.5bn.”

BAE Systems said it as has a "strong presence in Scotland" with more than 3,700 people located across our naval ships business in Glasgow, maritime services and defence information facilities at Hillend, and regional aircraft operations in Prestwick and RAF Lossiemouth, where it provides support and training for the RAF Typhoon fleet.