 'The resultant cost growth for the Ministry of Defence is 4.2% over forecast, which is £233m over the life of the programme.' Once built, the ships will protect the Navy's two, £6.2billion, 65,000-tonne Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and four Vanguard submarines, which carry the Trident nuclear missile system. Quizzed by the Commons Defence Select Committee tonight, Mr Wallace said he was 'pretty upset' by the delay. Growing fears £1.6bn defence deal will be given to Spanish-led bidders Tories set to 'betray' British workers over £1.6bn naval supply ships deal){kind=link}
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace revealed the delay in a parliamentary statement which emerged as he was being quizzed by MPs
The Royal Navy’s latest frigate will be delayed by a year and cost taxpayers an extra £233milion, the Defence Secretary has admitted.
The Type 26, City-class, Global Combat Ship is being built in Scotland and will replace the ageing Type 23 Duke-class fleet.
The first vessel of the six-strong submarine-hunting fleet, HMS Glasgow, was due to enter service in October 2027.
But Cabinet Minister Mr Wallace blamed the coronavirus pandemic and other “challenges” for a 12-month delay.