Royal Navy's Defender has first launch

GLASGOW, Scotland, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- The British Royal Navy has successfully launched its fifth type 45 destroyer class vessel ahead of further fitting-out and sea trials.

The Royal Navy and shipbuilder BVT Surface Fleet, a joint shipbuilding venture between BAE Systems and VT Group, launched the new Defender type 45 destroyer from the BVT shipyard on the Clyde River in Glasgow.

The Defender, designed to conduct anti-piracy, disaster-relief and surveillance missions among other operations, will now undergo sea trials and other requirements ahead of joining the Royal Navy fleet in 2012.

"The type 45 class is a most formidable ship," Vice Adm. Andrew Mathews, chief of materiel fleet, said in a statement.

"Her world-class Sea Viper missile system which can defend against multiple attacks by the most sophisticated anti-ship missiles bears out the title destroyer, while Defender's name hints to her main future role in providing air defense to the Navy's new aircraft carriers."