British defence company Babcock is pursuing a contract to build warships for the United States Navy, following a policy shift by the Trump administration allowing foreign contractors to participate in the US naval shipbuilding programme for the first time. The FTSE 100 firm confirmed it is preparing to submit a formal expression of interest by the end of October to supply escort ships intended to alleviate production bottlenecks in the US naval fleet.

Babcock plans to offer its Arrowhead 140 frigate design, which is currently operational as the Royal Navy’s Type 31 general-purpose frigate. According to sources familiar with the matter, the company has engaged in preliminary discussions with Pentagon officials in recent months as part of early-stage negotiations. While specific details remain undisclosed, it is believed Babcock would jointly bid alongside Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), the largest US military shipbuilder, with which it already maintains an industrial partnership.

The US Navy’s current solicitation seeks a proven, versatile small-to-medium sized warship capable of escort duties and independent operations, including anti-submarine warfare, surface combat, and convoy protection. A critical feature of the request is a design that can be produced rapidly and in significant quantities, reflecting lessons learned from prior programmes where excessive customisation led to delays and increased costs.

International competitors expected to vie for the contract include Japan’s Mogami-class frigate and South Korea’s Chungnam-class frigate, highlighting the global interest in the US defence market. Concurrently, Babcock is promoting the Arrowhead 140 design to several other navies, including those of Denmark, New Zealand, Chile, and Indonesia, emphasizing the platform’s export appeal and adaptability.

The move represents a strategic opportunity for Babcock to expand its footprint in the global shipbuilding industry by entering the US market, traditionally dominated by domestic manufacturers. However, the proposal remains at an early phase, with formal submissions due later this month and further evaluations expected before any contract awards.