Article Posted on : - Jun 28, 2012

HMS Richmond. A Royal Navy photo

PORTSMOUTH (BNS): UK Navy's upgraded Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond will return to its homeport at Portsmouth on Friday.

The anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigate underwent an eight-month long overhaul at Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth under a £20m contract awarded to Babcock Marine.

The work included improvements to several weapons - including the Seawolf missile system and two automatic 30mm small calibre guns - and a new versatile command system, the Navy said.

Since leaving Devonport, HMS Richmond has been conducting trials along the UK's south coast and around Scotland, the Navy said, adding that the warship will conduct operational sea training later this year and will rejoin the naval fleet thereafter.