The new 90 metre vessels will be built at BAE Systems’ facilities in the area and will be used to support counter-terrorism, counter-piracy and anti-smuggling operations in the waters around the UK.

The state-of-the-art vessels will also be used to protect some of the country’s other interests abroad and will guarantee the security of around 800 jobs.

Last week Mick Ord, managing director at BAE Systems Naval Ships, said: “This is a significant contract award which marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for the UK shipbuilding sector.

“We’re making major investments in our people, technology and facilities to create a world-class complex warship capability and the OPVs provide an opportunity to embed these new ways of working.

“This will ensure we remain competitive and are best placed to secure the Type 26 manufacturing contract, which together with the investments will sustain the long-term future of this highly skilled industry.” Engineers at BAE Systems have adapted the proven OPV design, which is already in use with the Brazilian Navy and helped provide security to the recent World Cup, to ensure it meets the requirements of the Royal Navy.

Production will start in October, with the first of class expected to be delivered to the sea by 2017.

The ships will be larger and more efficient than the existing River Class OPVs and will include more room for personnel and the addition of a flight deck capable of landing Merlin helicopters.

The ships will also be globally deployable with a range of 5,500 nautical miles and capable of ocean patrol.

Commenting on the announcement BAE Systems had been awarded the contract John Robertson, MP for Glasgow North West, said: “I am pleased that over 800 jobs on the Clyde have been secured by this decision. Workers in Glasgow’s shipyards are extremely talented and their expertise is needed to build complex navy vessels.”