The UK Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigate HMS Kent has completed a year-long refit and is set to undergo sea trials off the east coast of Scotland.

The £24m upgrade included the ship’s hull and upper deck, and installation of a new 4.5in medium-range gun, 30mm close-range guns, a new command system, target control radars and an active towed array sonar.

The refit programme also included a wide range of engineering, equipment and manpower tests and trials.

The sea trials will be conducted to confirm the performance of the ship’s equipment and its ability to respond to any emergency situation.

HMS Kent commander Ben Ripley said: "HMS Kent will emerge as one of the most capable anti-submarine warfare frigates in the world."

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