Defence Minister Baroness Taylor today announced a GBP35 million major upgrade to the Royal Navy frigate HMS Sutherland. New equipment valued at GBP18 million will be installed as part of a general overhaul of the ship under a GBP17 million contract with Babock Marine at their Rosyth dockyard in Scotland.
The Type 23 frigate is to get:
– the Navy's latest and most sophisticated submarine hunting sonar system, capable of identifying submarines at an even greater range;
– an advanced Seawolf air defence missile system, which will counter the advanced threat from missiles and fixed wing aircraft;
– a new improved main gun, capable of firing long-range ammunition;
– a reshaped stern to cut fuel use.
Baroness Taylor, Minister of State for Defence Equipment and Support, said: "HMS Sutherland is the first of our ships to get this new equipment making her the most powerful frigate in the fleet. With an improved air defence missile system, a new long-range main gun, and our latest and most sophisticated submarine-hunting sonar, she will be a force to be reckoned with, capable of dealing with current and future threats."
