The first Type 22 order was placed in 1972 with Yarrow Shipbuilders; Yarrow undertook much of the detailed design work whilst overall responsibility remained with the Ship Department at Bath.
Den første enhed af Broadsword-klassen blev bestilt i 1972 hos Yarrow værftet; Yarrow stod for meget af ufuldstændige design, mens det overordnede ansvar lå hos skibsdepardementet i Bath.