HMS Active (Type 31 frigate)

HMS Active is a planned Type 31 frigate of the Royal Navy. As part of the Invincible class, she is one of five general purpose frigates designed to replace the Type 23 frigates. The ship is named after HMS Active, a name historically borne by several Royal Navy vessels, continuing a tradition of naming warships after the concept of being active and engaged. The Type 31 frigates are designed for a variety of roles including maritime security, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian assistance.

The design emphasizes affordability and export potential, while still providing modern capabilities. Active and her sister ships will feature a modular design, allowing for future upgrades and modifications as technology evolves. The frigates are being constructed by Babcock International at their Rosyth dockyard, with the steel cut for Active marking a significant milestone in the Type 31 program. Details of the ship's armament and specific sensors remain subject to confirmation, however, the design incorporates a flight deck capable of supporting a variety of helicopters. The expected in-service date is in the late 2020s.