LONDON, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- A new global combat ship detailed by the British Defense Department will form the backbone of the country's maritime defense, a commander said.
The British Defense Department unveiled details of its T26 Global Combat Ship. Navy Adm. Mark Stanhope said the ship will be about 485 feet and has a displacement of more than 5,400 tons.
"The T26 GCS will be a multi-mission warship designed for joint and multinational operations across the full spectrum of warfare, including complex combat operations, maritime security operations such as counter-piracy, as well as humanitarian and disaster relief work around the world," he said in a statement.
The combat ship will come equipped with vertical missile silos, a medium-caliber gun and a hangar to accommodate attack helicopters and unmanned vehicles.
The warship is to be put into service after 2020. The British navy said it would serve primary in combat and counter-piracy operations.
"It will be capable of operating independently for significant periods or as part of a task group and will play a major role in the defense of this country for many years," said Stanhope.
