HMS Tamar formally named in Glasgow

The fourth of the Royal Navy's new Offshore Patrol Vessels has been officially named in Glasgow.

HMS Tamar is a River Class ship that is equipped with a 30mm cannon and a flight deck capable of hosting a Merlin helicopter. Its purpose is to boost counter-terrorism and anti-smuggling work and to support British defence operations.

Minister for defence procurement Stuart Andrew said these ships are a key part of the Royal Navy fleet.

"Today's naming marks an important milestone in HMS Tamar's programme ahead of starting sea trials and being accepted into operational service next year," he added.

All of the Offshore Patrol Vessels are initially constructed in the Govan shipyard belonging to BAE Systems before they head to a site in Scotstoun to be fitted out with the necessary systems for sea trials.

Thanks to the contracts with the Royal Navy, the Govan shipyard's orders are now full until the early 2030s, which will support 1,700 Scottish jobs and a further 2,300 across the nation.

The news comes after it was revealed last year that the Batch 1 Offshore Patrol Vessels HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey and HMS Severn currently involved with supporting the Fishery Protection Squadron are to be retained for at least the next two years.