The Royal Navy is to take delivery of the fourth of the six Type 45 Destroyers set to ultimately form the backbone of its future maritime capability.
The warship involved, HMS Dragon, is set to arrive in Portsmouth on 31 August and, here, will be ceremoniously handed-over.
The exchange places HMS Dragon's manufacturer, BAE Systems, on course to deliver the last Type 45, HMS Duncan, to the Royal Navy by the start of 2013. Prior to that, HMS Defender, the fifth Type 45, will begin its sea trials in about two months time.
The Type 45 Destroyers are multirole-capable and, in the future, will be tasked with missions including disaster-relief operations, surveillance and anti-piracy work, besides the main combat role.
Type 45 Royal Navy Handover
"Dragon is in top condition for the rigours of the next stage of her sea trials and the challenges ahead", BAE Systems Surface Ships UK Programmes Director, Angus Holt, stated in a company press release on this latest Type 45 Royal Navy handover.
"The Royal Navy operates as a force for good, contributing to the security of the UK, the prevention of conflict and the promotion of our national interests in the wider world.", he continued.
"Dragon is eager to play her part and start operating the newest and most advanced warship in the world. In a continuing effort to improve the Type 45 class, the Royal Navy and BAE Systems have worked in close partnership to make Dragon the best of her class, ready to fight and win."
HMS Dragon: Type 45 Destroyer
Construction on HMS Dragon got underway in 2005 and, three years later, it was launched. Like the other Type 45 Destroyers, Dragon incorporates the ultra hi-tech SAMPSON radar system, which has a 400km range and the Principal Anti-Air Missile System, or ‘PAAMS' for short. In Royal Naval terminology, PAAMS is known as the Sea Viper.
According to BAE Systems, Dragon, Duncan, Defender and their three sister-ships will provide the RN with at least 30 years of frontline service.
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