HMS Kent returns to service
Royal Navy Type 23 frigate, HMS Kent, has returned to service following an 18 month refurbishment programme.
Carried out by Babcock, the overhaul will sustain the vessel’s operational life into the early 2030s.
New equipment on board includes the new Sea Ceptor missile system, replacing the older Sea Wolf system. Sea Ceptor uses MBDA’s Common Anti-air Modular Missile, and features a rocket motor that provides double the range of Sea Wolf. Its active radar-seeker allows the missile to engage targets without the need for complex target illuminators.
Other updated equipment includes a new ship command and control system; and refreshment of general machinery, messes and living quarters.
Since the refit concluded in July, Kent has been undertaking trials in UK waters. The vessel’s service of rededication took place in Portsmouth.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![How bad management could put the US Navy’s cruiser fleet far behind Chinese capabilities]()
How bad management could put the US Navy’s cruiser fleet far behind Chinese capabilities
While China has been rapidly advancing with the development of the Type 055 class, the US Navy has been struggling to progress with the modernisation of its cruiser fleet.
-
![Fincantieri joins roster of major companies working to protect undersea cables]()
Fincantieri joins roster of major companies working to protect undersea cables
The group’s collaboration with network provider Sparkle is the latest move to improve the robustness of submarine cable networks.
-
![US Coast Guard acquires icebreaker, and gets approval for Polar cutter]()
US Coast Guard acquires icebreaker, and gets approval for Polar cutter
The investment will help the US move towards its prescribed Arctic requirement.
-
![Saab signs modernisation deal for Sweden’s coastal anti-ship missile capability]()
Saab signs modernisation deal for Sweden’s coastal anti-ship missile capability
Sweden’s Baltic coastal defence will be upgraded with new missile options.
-
![South Korea chooses LIG Nex1 for reconnaissance USV]()
South Korea chooses LIG Nex1 for reconnaissance USV
The uncrewed surface vessel was secured with a DAPA contract.
-
![Pakistan Navy takes second OPV 2600 vessel from Damen]()
Pakistan Navy takes second OPV 2600 vessel from Damen
The PNS Yamama completes the class of maritime security vessels.
