SHIPBUILDERS in Glasgow have been given a boost with a contract for the Australian navy.

BAE, which owns the yards at Scotstoun and Govan, will design and build nine Type 26 Frigates

The deal means, while the ships will be constructed in Australian shipyards, the design team at Scotstoun will work on the specifications.

There are around 200 in the Glasgow yard working on the frigate programme.

BAE said the contract award is a source of pride for Glasgow shipbuilding and design as the Type 26 becomes the standard for ships of that class.

The shipbuilder has also reached the preferred supplier stage for a contract with he Canadian government for Type 26 ships.

Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems Chief Executive: “This is an important milestone in the programme to deliver world-class anti-submarine warfare capability for the Royal Australian Navy.

“This, together with the selection of the Type 26 design in Canada, provides a strong foundation for our Naval Ships business in international markets.”

The Glasgow yards are building three Type 26 Hunter Class Anti submarine frigates for the Royal Navy.

BAE said the deal was a significant endorsement of the Type 26 Global Combat Ship as the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warfare capability.

It has also been hailed as a success for BAE and it snetwork of suppliers in the west of Scotland and across the UK.

Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade said: “This is more good news for trading relations between the UK and Australia and I’m delighted to see BAE Australia’s continued success.

“This is primarily a win for Australian jobs, but we are sure that the expertise of the British supply chain will prove invaluable as the project develops.”