Type 22

The Type 22 frigate was developed as part of Britain's NATO anti-submarine contribution in the North Atlantic. Built in three batches, the class began as a specialist ASW escort but evolved into larger and more capable general-purpose frigates with improved weapons and command facilities. The ships replaced older frigates and worked alongside Type 42 destroyers and Type 23 frigates in late Cold War and post-Cold War service.

Technically, the Type 22 was built around anti-submarine warfare and point air defense. Early ships carried Sea Wolf missile systems and Exocet anti-ship missiles, while later batches added larger hulls, guns, Harpoon, better sensors, and command capacity. Aviation facilities supported Lynx helicopters and, on larger ships, broader helicopter operations for submarine prosecution and surface surveillance.

Operationally, Type 22 frigates became some of the Royal Navy's most versatile Cold War escorts. HMS Broadsword and others served in the Falklands War, while later Batch 3 ships supported command and security operations in the Gulf and beyond. Their retirement reflected fleet contraction and the rise of Type 23, Type 45, and newer frigate concepts.