The UK Royal Navy has deployed the nuclear-powered attack submarine, HMS Sceptre, to the Falkland Islands in an effort to enhance security levels in the region.

The Swiftsure Class submarine will join the Portsmouth ships HMS York and HMS Scott, which are already on routine patrol in the region, according to portsmouth.co.uk.

During the deployment, HMS Sceptre will monitor the conservation zone waters surrounding the Falkland islands, where drilling is under way.

The deployment was made necessary as UK firm Desire Petroleum has struck oil.

The 82.9m-long, 9.8m-wide vessel has a displacement of 4,500t.

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The submarine can accommodate around 100 personnel and cruise at a speed in excess of 30kt.