HMS Venturer (pennant number F12) is the lead ship of the Type 31 frigate-class that will serve with the Royal Navy and the seventh vessel named .
In May 2021, the names of the five planned Type 31 ships were announced by the First Sea Lord. The names were selected to represent key themes that represent the future plans of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. Venturer, named after the Second World War submarine , the only submarine ever to have, while underwater, destroyed an enemy submarine in underwater battle, symbolises technology and innovation.
As of 2023, planning envisaged Venturer being launched in 2024 and entering service by 2025. In mid-2024 it was reported that the Type 31 program was likely behind schedule with Venturer not having been launched by mid-2024 as had been planned and with the ship then envisaged for service entry in late 2026/early 2027. However, as of 2026, Luke Pollard, UK Minister for Defence Readiness, projected that HMS Venturer's in-service date would be by the "end of the decade". The rest of the class was projected to enter service thereafter.
First steel was cut for the new ship on 23 September 2021 signalling the start of construction. The keel of the ship was ceremonially laid down in April 2022. The ship was launched, by being floated off a launch barge, in June 2025. The ship is currently in the process of fitting out.Babcock Fits Foremast on First Type 31 Frigate HMS Venturer
The government's 2026 Defence Investment Plan indicated that both the Mark 41 launch system and Naval Strike Missiles were planned for future incorporation in the ship, though the precise timing remained uncertain.
Affiliations County of Essex Worshipful Company of Ironmongers Town of Hartlepool
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