ENGINEERS in Glasgow will design new Type 26 Global Combat ships sustaining work for up to 100 shipyard workers.

BAE Systems’ yards in Scotstoun and Govan will digitally design the ships for the Canadian Government.

Defence firm Lockheed Martin Canada has been awarded the contract to build 15 ships at Irving Shipbuilding’s Halifax Shipyard.

Although no new jobs will be created in the Glasgow design process, BAE say it will “sustain up to 100 jobs” for workers at the yards.

The design of the vessels is based upon the Type 26 Global Combat Ship which will be equipped with high-tech innovations from prominent Canadian companies.

Andrew Wolstenholme, group managing director, BAE Systems Maritime and Land UK said: “The selection of the Type 26 design for the Canadian Surface Combatant reinforces its position as one of the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warships and showcases the strength of British innovation on the global stage.

“This is great news for the company, the sector and our Naval Ships business and continues to build on our recent success in Australia for the Hunter Class Frigate programme.

“It provides solid foundations within the export market and demonstrates the excellent design of the Global Combat Ship.”

The programme uses advanced digital design techniques to design a “multi-role warship” for the Royal Canadian Navy.

BAE Systems say the ships are designed to support anti-submarine warfare, air defence and general purpose operations globally.

Once built, the fleet will be “acoustically quiet, versatile and highly survivable”

In December the Evening Times revealed BAE Systems will design and build nine Type 26 Frigates for the Australian Navy.

They will be constructed in Australian shipyards, but 200 workers from the design team at Scotstoun will work on the programme.

International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox MP, said: “It is fantastic that the Canadian Government has selected Lockheed Martin Canada, using BAE Systems’ innovative Type 26 Global Combat Ship design.

“I am aware that this has been a very competitive process and this outcome is testament to the importance of the deep UK-Canada defence and security relationship.

“The announcement will bring further prosperity to both nations and is another demonstration of the success of BAE Systems’ Type 26 Global Combat Ship design, after it was recently chosen as the winning design for a contract with the Royal Australian Navy.”

Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, said: “Canada’s selection of our cutting-edge Type 26 Global Combat Ship design for their future frigate programme shows that Britain remains a world leader in maritime design and technology.”