Five Type 31 Frigates, previously promised to the Clyde yards, will not be built in Glasgow.

BAE Systems will bid for the £125bn contract but manufacturing would not take place in Scotland.

BAE Systems has signed a deal with commercial shipbuilder Cammell Laird which would see the construction of the ships done at the yard in Birkenhead in Merseyside.

The Clyde yards owners has signed a Teaming Agreement to bid for the ships after the MoD said it wanted to spread work across UK yards.

The UK government previously said 13 Type 26 frigates would be built on the Clyde.

That was then cut to eight but that five smaller Type 31’s would also be built.

BAE said the deal allows it to bid for the contract while retaining work on the Clyde into the 2030s.

BAE Systems said it will partner with Cammell Laird, who would prime, build and assemble the vessels.

The firm said this enables BAE Systems to appropriately support the National Shipbuilding Strategy whilst ensuring the delivery of the five Offshore Patrol Vessels and the first three City class Type 26 frigates currently on contract, to time, budget and to the highest quality standards.

Iain Stevenson, Managing Director, BAE Systems Naval Ships, commented: “Type 31e is an exciting and important programme.

“Our expertise in warship design and engineering, combat management systems and export campaigns means we are in a great position to contribute to the success of this programme. We are pleased to be working with Cammell Laird with whom we have a strong and effective relationship, having worked with them on the Carrier and Astute programmes.”