The Royal Navy marked a major milestone in the development of its surface fleet in late July with the commencement of manufacture of its Type 26 Global Combat Ship, which will partially replace the Royal Navy’s Type 23 anti-submarine variant frigates as part of a £3.7 billion ($6 billion) contract. The Type 26 Global Combat Ship is one of three solutions being considered by the Australian government as part of the SEA 5000 Future Frigate Program, which will see the replacement of the eight ageing Anzac Class frigates with nine high-capability warships. Defence Connect host Phil Tarrant spoke with Nigel Stewart, business development and strategy director Maritime at BAE Systems, on the eve of the 'steel cutting ceremony' held at their company's Govan Shipyard facility in Glasgow, Scotland. Tune in to get the inside word from Stewart on the development of anti-submarine warfare, how BAE Systems and the Royal Navy have backed the Type 26 to fulfil this ever-increasing role and how these learnings will enhance BAE Systems' pitch. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team www.defenceconnect.com.au