Type 22 Frigate

The Type 22 frigates were developed for the Royal Navy during the Cold War to counter the rising threat of Soviet submarines. Originally conceived as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) platforms, their capabilities expanded over three batches to include air defense, surface warfare, and broader multirole operations. These frigates served extensively during their operational life, demonstrating adaptability across a range of naval missions, including combat and humanitarian operations.

Design and Development of the Type 22 Frigate

The Type 22 frigates were designed in the 1960s in response to the Soviet Navy’s growing submarine threat. The ships’ design prioritized stealth and underwater detection to ensure their effectiveness in anti-submarine operations. Over time, advancements in technology and changing mission requirements led to the evolution of the Type 22 into a highly versatile multirole warship.

The class was built in three distinct batches. Batch 1 frigates were optimized primarily for anti-submarine operations, equipped with advanced sonar and minimal surface and air weaponry. Batch 2 introduced significant enhancements, including improved radar systems and missile capabilities, allowing for broader operational roles. Batch 3 represented the pinnacle of the design’s evolution, with upgrades focused on air defense, survivability, and multirole adaptability, making these frigates capable of performing in diverse mission environments.

Type 22 Features and Capabilities

The Type 22 frigates featured a robust suite of weapons and sensors, enabling them to perform a wide range of roles effectively. Their primary anti-air weapon was the Sea Wolf surface-to-air missile system, designed to defend against aerial threats at close range. To extend their surface warfare capabilities, the frigates were equipped with Harpoon or Exocet missiles, capable of engaging enemy ships at long distances. For anti-submarine missions, the ships carried torpedo launchers and were equipped to deploy Lynx helicopters armed with depth charges and torpedoes.

The ships also boasted advanced radar systems for surface and air surveillance, combined with state-of-the-art sonar for tracking underwater threats. The use of a combined gas turbine and diesel propulsion system (CODLAG) provided high efficiency and quiet operation, critical for submarine hunting missions. Designed for long deployments, the ships offered improved accommodation for crew comfort, reflecting the Royal Navy’s emphasis on sustained operational readiness.

Operational History of the Type 22

Type 22 frigates had a storied operational history, serving as versatile assets across a range of missions. During the Cold War, they conducted anti-submarine patrols in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, playing a vital role in NATO’s naval strategy against the Soviet submarine fleet. Their capabilities were further demonstrated during the Falklands War, where they provided air defense and operational support, showcasing their adaptability in combat situations.

In the post-Cold War era, the Type 22 frigates adapted to new missions, including counter-piracy operations and disaster relief. Their multirole capabilities enabled them to participate in naval diplomacy and coalition operations, reinforcing their value as flexible and reliable platforms.

Individual Ships of the Type 22 Class

The Type 22 frigates were built in three batches, each consisting of multiple vessels. Below is a list of the ships, including their names, pennant numbers, launch dates, and decommissioning dates.

Batch 1:

1. HMS Broadsword (F88) – Launched on May 12, 1976; decommissioned on March 31, 1995.
2. HMS Brilliant (F90) – Launched on December 15, 1977; decommissioned on August 30, 1996.
3. HMS Battleaxe (F89) – Launched on March 18, 1977; decommissioned on April 14, 1997.
4. HMS Brazen (F91) – Launched on March 25, 1980; decommissioned on March 17, 1999.

Batch 2:

1. HMS Boxer (F92) – Launched on May 17, 1981; decommissioned on August 30, 1999.
2. HMS Beaver (F93) – Launched on December 20, 1982; decommissioned on August 24, 1999.
3. HMS Brave (F94) – Launched on March 19, 1983; decommissioned on March 23, 2000.
4. HMS London (F95) – Launched on September 27, 1984; decommissioned on January 14, 1999.

Batch 3:

1. HMS Cornwall (F99) – Launched on October 14, 1985; decommissioned on June 30, 2011.
2. HMS Cumberland (F85) – Launched on June 21, 1986; decommissioned on April 7, 2011.
3. HMS Campbeltown (F86) – Launched on October 7, 1987; decommissioned on April 7, 2011.
4. HMS Chatham (F87) – Launched on June 4, 1988; decommissioned on February 8, 2011.

Retirement and Legacy

The Type 22 frigates were gradually decommissioned beginning in the late 1990s as the Royal Navy transitioned to the newer Type 23 frigates, which offered advanced technology and reduced operational costs. Several Type 22 frigates were sold to allied navies, where they continued to serve in various capacities, extending their operational legacy. Their influence on modern naval architecture is evident in subsequent warship designs, underscoring their significance in naval history.