Article Posted on : - Jan 05, 2012

Type-23 frigate HMS Kent. A UK Navy photo

PORTSMOUTH (BNS): British Navy's Type-23 frigate HMS Kent has returned to its home port in Portsmouth last month after undergoing major upgradation.

The warship, which was commissioned into the Royal Navy fleet in June 2000, underwent the year-long upgradation at Rosyth, Scotland, which saw major improvements to its systems and equipment.

After the £24 million overhaul, the warship now features new weapons systems, including a new 4.5-inch (114mm) medium-range gun plus new 30mm close-range guns on her port and starboard sides.

The frigate also has a new command system, target control radars and new towed array sonar fitted. The sonar gives the vessel phenomenal capability and makes her a world-leading anti-submarine warfare platform, according to the Royal Navy.

On leaving Rosyth, HMS Kent conducted inspections, exercises and trials off the east coast of Scotland to put the new systems and equipment to test, the Navy said.

The frigate will rejoin the Navy fleet after undertaking further sea trials.