The Royal Navy has issued a powerful signal to Vladimir Putin with the public unveiling of HMS Venturer — the first of a new fleet of British warships designed to reinforce the UK’s global military presence and strengthen NATO’s maritime edge. The Type 31 frigate emerged from Babcock’s shipbuilding hall in Rosyth, Fife, on Tuesday, marking what defence officials described as a “pivotal milestone” for UK sovereign capability.

At 5,700 tonnes and 139 metres long, the £250 million vessel is the first of five Inspiration-class warships being built under a £1.25 billion deal signed as part of the UK Government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. All five ships are being constructed at the Rosyth yard, with three already in production — an achievement Babcock hailed as a demonstration of world-class shipbuilding at a time of rising global instability. Sir Nick Hine, Chief Executive of Babcock’s marine sector and former Second Sea Lord, said: “For the first time, we’re seeing HMS Venturer, the first of her class, emerge from the build hall — a powerful symbol of UK naval ambition and sovereign capability.

“It marks another major milestone in a standout week for British shipbuilding, at a time when global uncertainty demands even greater defence capability. Right here in Scotland, we are building five complex warships in a single yard, in just a decade — true world-class performance.

“This is an incredibly proud moment for everyone in Babcock and the wider programme partners. Not only does it reflect the hard work, dedication and exceptional skills of our people, but this programme and the other work that we do here in Rosyth contribute significantly to the prosperity of the local and national economy.”

The Inspiration-class ships are designed for a range of tasks including maritime security, counter-piracy, escort duties and humanitarian operations. However, officials were clear that their strategic importance lies in deterring hostile states and bolstering alliance operations, particularly in contested waters where Russia is increasingly active.

HMS Venturer features the largest flight deck of any Royal Navy frigate. It is capable of operating both Wildcat and Chinook helicopters and has multiple boat bays to launch fast craft. Once floated into the River Forth in the coming weeks, the ship will return to dock for outfitting and systems integration before beginning sea trials.

Commander Chris Cozens, Senior Naval Officer of HMS Venturer, said: “The ship’s company have seen HMS Venturer grow from the keel up inside the build hall. This will be the first time Babcock and the Royal Navy can unveil this next-generation frigate to the public.

“This moment is taking the ship another step closer to where it is needed and contributing to the UK’s security and prosperity.”

The vessel is expected to enter service between 2027 and 2028. All five Type 31 ships are due to be operational by 2030, expanding the Royal Navy’s global deployment options at a time when NATO is reinforcing its presence from the Baltic to the Black Sea.

Commodore Steve Roberts, Senior Responsible Owner for the Type 31 programme, said: “Seeing HMS Venturer, the first of the Type 31 Inspiration Class, unveiled is a proud moment not just for the Royal Navy and her crew, but all the organisations in Defence that have contributed to this key milestone.

“This is the first of many exciting stages for the Type 31 programme, with now three of the five ships progressing in build. I look forward with anticipation to the moment when we will see HMS Venturer enter the water.”

The programme is overseen by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), the Ministry of Defence’s procurement arm. Steve Ranyard, Type 31 team leader at DE&S, said: “The rollout of HMS Venturer paves the way for the success of the entire fleet.

"Once complete, they will be at the forefront of deterring aggression and maintaining the security and prosperity of our nation and our allies.”

The unveiling comes at a time of heightened tension with Russia, with the Royal Navy playing a key role in monitoring Moscow’s naval activity in the North Atlantic and Arctic.

Defence analysts say the rollout of HMS Venturer sends a clear signal about Britain’s commitment to bolstering its maritime presence amid growing concerns over Russian aggression.