Britain to equip Royal Navy Type 31 frigates with Mk 41 launchers and Norwegian Naval Strike Missiles in major fleet firepower upgrade

Britain plans to fit all five Type 31 frigates with Mk 41 vertical launch systems and the Norwegian Naval Strike Missile, expanding their anti-ship and future multi-mission capacity. The government has associated £1.6 billion over four financial years with the broader Type 31 programme rather than publishing a separate weapons-only price. Naval Strike Missile will also equip Type 26 frigates, while Mk 41 offers compatibility with a wider family of strike and air-defence weapons. Missile quantities, installation schedules and the specific Mk 41 loadout have not been disclosed.