Work commences on Royal Navy's new powerful warship defense

Minister Baroness Taylor has visited the BAE Systems shipyards in Glasgow, UK, to mark the cutting of steel for the Royal Navy's sixth Type 45 Destroyer, 'Duncan'.

Larger and more powerful than the Type 42 Destroyers they replace, the Type 45s are a flexible, versatile vessel capable of undertaking a range of military tasks and assisting in peace-support type operations. They will be able to carry up to 235 crew, including 60 Royal Marine commandos and their equipment. There is also significant scope within the design of the ship to accommodate new equipment through its life. On her first visit to the Clyde shipyards, Minister for Defense Equipment and Support, Baroness Taylor, said: "Once 'Duncan' is built, she will be one of the most modern and powerful air defense destroyers in the world. I am delighted to initiate the first cutting of steel for 'Duncan' and look forward to following the progress of her construction. This is an exciting time for the Royal Navy with £14bn being spent over the next ten to fifteen years." 'Duncan' is the sixth of the 'D' Class of Type 45 Destroyers. The others are 'Daring', 'Dauntless', 'Diamond', 'Dragon' and 'Defender'. The Type 45s are the largest and most powerful destroyers ever ordered for the Royal Navy with a range of around 7,000 nautical miles.
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