The Type 26 Frigates will be built on the Clyde, protecting 600 jobs the Prime Minister has announced.

The Ministry of Defence has today signed the contract worth almost £900m with BAE Systems.

David Cameron announced the deal while visiting BAE's Govan Shipyard, before heading to speak at the Scottish Conservatives Party Conference in Edinburgh.

He said 600 jobs in the Scottish shipbuilding industry are secured by the contract and more across the UK.

The Prime Minister said:"This is a substantial investment in our shipbuilding industry, safeguarding the jobs of 600 workers in Scotland and many more across the UK. Investing in these warships will ensure we continue to keep our country safe, at home and abroad.

"As part of our long term economic plan, we're not just building the most advanced modern warships in the world - we are building the careers of many young people with apprenticeships that will set them up for life."

The decision on awarding the contract had been delayed until after the referendum, with shipbuilding a key issue.

Nationalists said the ships would be built here regardless of the outcome as the Clyde was the best place to build them and pro union supporters arguing the UK government has never built complex warships in another country.

BAE Systems Chief Executive, Ian King, said: "We have a long and proud heritage of delivering complex warships in the UK and today's announcement is a significant endorsement of the Government's commitment to sustain this important national capability. "We are committed to working with the Government, the Ministry of Defence and our partners in the maritime supply chain to ensure the Royal Navy has the capability it needs to protect national interests, while ensuring the best value for money for UK taxpayers."

The Government said the T26 Global Combat Ship (GCS) is a multi-mission warship capable of joint and multinational operations across the full spectrum of warfare, including complex combat operations, counter-piracy, humanitarian and disaster relief work.

Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon, said: "This announcement is a clear vote of confidence in British industry and forms part of our commitment to invest over £160 billion in equipment and equipment support over the next 10 years.

"As a result, our military will have some of the most impressive and technologically advanced capabilities in the world; from the aircraft carriers and the F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, to the Type 45 destroyers, Scout armoured vehicles, the A400M and the Astute Class submarines."