New warship is named during navy ceremony

HMS Medway was officially named by her sponsor, Lady Wendy Fallon – whose husband is defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon – during a ceremony at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun shipyard in Glasgow.

The ship is the latest in a new line of five River-class off-shore patrol vessels and will be based in Portsmouth.

Sir Michael said: ‘From counter-terrorism and anti-smuggling to securing the UK’s borders, HMS Medway will help keep Britain safe.’

The 90-metre ship is expected to enter service in 2019.

Medway has a crew of 58 and is equipped with a 30mm cannon and flight deck capable of accommodating a Merlin helicopter, allowing it to undertake vital counter-terrorism and anti-smuggling operations.

Displacing around 2,000 tonnes, she has a maximum speed of around 24 knots and can sail 5,500 nautical miles without having to re-supply.

She is the 10th ship to bear the name since the 1690s.