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.