New Navy Patrol Ship Ready For Action

HMS Forth is due to be sent to the Falkland Islands by the end of this year (Picture: Royal Navy/MOD).

The first of the Royal Navy's five new patrol ships is ready for action following three weeks after operational training. 

HMS Forth and her crew had to deal with various scenarios during the training, including missile and bombing damage and fighting off enemy aircraft.

The training culminated in a firing exercise against 'enemy' forces on the ranges of western Scotland.

Operational Sea Training, the Navy's equivalent to 'pre-season training', is something every British warship has to pass before being sent on operations.

Lieutenant Matthew McGinlay, Forth’s First Lieutenant, said: “Operational Sea Training is always a difficult test which has been made slightly more challenging by the fact we are the first of this class of ship to complete it." 

Meanwhile, HMS Forth's sister ships are also making progress.

HMS Trent has returned to Glasgow after two weeks of training in the Firth of Clyde and HMS Medway is due to arrive in Portsmouth for the first time following her construction.

HMS Spey is also nearing completion.

HMS Forth is due to be sent to the Falkland Islands at the end of the year to replace HMS Clyde as the islands' permanent naval guardian.