Sarah Young writes the U.K. government intends for the ships to support counter-terrorism, counter-piracy and anti-smuggling missions.
BAE Systemsâ 800 shipbuilders will build the vessels at its shipyards on the Clyde in Scotland, according to the report.
The company and U.K.âs Ministry of Defense inked a deal in 2009 to develop the offshore patrol vessels, Reuters reports.
The same BAE Systems employees working on those ships are building the second of two aircraft carriers for Britain, Young reports.