The UK Royal Navy’s Type 45 Class destroyer HMS Daring will begin its maiden deployment next year after more than four years of trials, tests and training.

The destroyer has been equipped with Phalanx automated Gatling guns to provide additional firepower to defend itself and other ships during escort missions.

The 152.4m-long and 21.2m-wide Daring has a displacement capacity of 7,350t, can accommodate a crew of 235 and cruises at a speed in excess of 29 knots.

Details regarding when and where it will be deployed have not been disclosed.