Defender, the fifth Type 45 destroyer built by BAE Systems, has today set sail from the company’s Scotstoun shipyard to embark on her first stage sea trials off the west coast of Scotland.

Exactly two years since her launch on 21 October 2009, Defender will spend approximately three weeks at sea, during which she will undergo platform trials to test her speed, manoeuvrability, power and propulsion. She will also undertake weapons trials and tests to demonstrate her auxiliary and domestic services.