Type 22 frigates were divided into three batches, although only batches 2 and 3 remain in active service.
There are only 3 Type 22 (#2) frigates:
This reduction was made during 1999 when HMS BEAVER, HMS LONDON and HMS BOXER were paid off as a result of the strategic defence review.
| Displacement | 4,600 Tonnes |
| Length | 148m |
| Beam | 14.7m |
| Crew | 256 |
| Armament | Exocet SSM system. Launcher-equipped Sea Wolf SAM, Anti-submarine torpedo tubes, close-range guns. |
| Aircraft | Up to two Lynx helicopters or one Merlin. |
There are 4 Type 22 (#3) ships:
The batch 3 ships vary slightly from the batch 2 ships.
| Displacement | 4,600 tonnes |
| Length | 148m |
| Beam | 14.7m |
| Crew | 259 |
| Armament | 114mm gun, Harpoon SSM, Launcher-equipped Sea Wolf SAM system, Anti-submarine torpedo tubes, goalkeeper CIWS |
| Aircraft | Up to two Lynx helicopters or one Merlin. |
Batch 3 Type 22 frigates are general-purpose frigates, batch 2 Type 22 frigates are dedicated ASW frigates although they are capable of fulfilling other roles. Two of the Batch 1 frigates (HMS BROADSWORD and HMS BRILLIANT) served with distinction in the Falkland's war and HMS BRILLIANT was the subject of a BBC documentary shortly before she was decommissioned.
The Batch 2 and Batch 3 Type 22 frigates were 500 tonnes heavier than the Batch 1, and were also extended by some 15 metres. This increased the stability of the ships along with improving the command facilities.
There are two main differences between the Batch 2 and Batch 3 Type 22s. The first is that the Batch 3 has a 114mm gun. This addition was a direct consequence of the experiences in the Falklands War where it was discovered that the Batch 1 Type 22s which served there, were at a disadvantage because of the absence of the gun. The 114mm gun is the same as that found on the Type 23, and is capable of firing at a rate of 25rpm at a range of up to 22km. The second significant difference is that the Batch 3 is equipped with the Harpoon SSM system rather than the Exocet. Exocet missiles were only ever carried on the Batch 1 and 2 Type 22s, and with the demise of the Batch 1 there are now only 3 frigates that carry this weapon. Although the Exocet (albeit in its ASM form) proved a devastating weapon in the Falklands war (accounting for the sinking of some Royal Naval units) the Harpoon SSM missile is much superior. (Not least because of its increased range: nearly twice that of the Exocet)
The Type 22 frigate is significantly larger than its more recent cousin, the Type 23. A significant difference is that the Type 22 can accommodate two Lynx helicopters whereas the Type 23 can only accommodate one. That said, in times of peace, it is usual for only one Lynx to be present. Given that the Lynx is a powerful ASW and AVS instrument, this would seem to give the Type 22 a more powerful offensive role. On the downside, however, is the fact that in both the Batch 2 and Batch 3 frigates, the Sea Wolf SAM system is mounted in launchers which means that the ship does not have 360 degree defence from Air attacks.
The Type 22 frigate is now relatively old but it has served the Royal Navy well. It is likely that when the next three Type 23 frigates enter service, the remaining three Batch 2 frigates will be paid off. What replaces the Batch 3 ships is yet to be deided, but that Batch still has some operational life left. The Batch 3 remains a very versatile ship. Its offensive weaponry is a match to the Type 23, and its extra helicopter capability is an advantage. However, the Type 22 does not have the same stealth-characteristics of the Type 23 and so it is likely that the Type 22 will be of more use in an escort role rather than an independent command.
