The HMS Duncan, a Type 45 destroyer ship, sailed from the UK’s Portsmouth 27 May, equipped with the sea viper missile and radar systems, which can accurately detect faraway threats, said a UK government statement.
The HMS Duncan is being deployed to relieve its sister ship, HMS Diamond, which has been protecting shipping lanes in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks since before Christmas, the UK government statement said.
While the Diamond has been at the forefront of the operation, it has taken down nine drones and one missile launched at cargo ships by Houthis from the coast of Yemen, the UK government stated.
The 200 men and women who serve aboard the HMS Duncan have completed trials and training in preparation for deployment, and the ship left Portsmouth with a clear directive to head into international water to make it safer and more secure for merchant vessels, added the UK government.
The HMS Duncan is ready for more operations, with over 60 new members joining the ship’s company, it further said.