The Global Combat Ship (GCS) also known as the Type 26 Global Combat Ship and sometimes referred to as the Type 26 frigate is a ship design and construction programme currently under way by the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom. The first Type 26 GCS is expected to enter service starting in 2021 to replace the thirteen Type 23 frigates of the Royal Navy.
The programme has been in development since 1998, initially under the designation "Future Surface Combatant (FSC)". In March 2010 BAE Systems Surface Ships was awarded a four year contract to develop the Type 26 Global Combat Ship. The October 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review reaffirmed the UK Government's commitment to the Type 26 GCS stating "As soon as possible after 2020 the Type 23 will be replaced by Type 26 frigates, designed to be easily adapted to change roles and capabilities depending on the strategic circumstances".
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