Type 23 frigate

Description

The Type 23 frigate, also known as the Duke class, is a versatile and multi-role warship serving in the United Kingdom's Royal Navy. Originally designed during the Cold War for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) to protect naval task groups from Soviet submarines, these frigates have evolved to perform a wide range of missions, including surface warfare, maritime security, and humanitarian operations. With a displacement of around 4,900 tonnes and a length of approximately 133 meters, the Type 23 features a stealthy design, advanced sensors, and a Combined Diesel-Electric and Gas (CODLAG) propulsion system, allowing for quiet operation during ASW missions and speeds exceeding 28 knots when needed. Each ship can operate a Merlin or Wildcat helicopter for extended operational capabilities. With a crew complement of about 185, the Type 23 has been the workhorse of the Royal Navy since its introduction in the late 1980s and has seen service in global operations ranging from anti-piracy missions to humanitarian assistance.