HMS Diamond receiving repair before deployment with NATO allies

A Royal Navy destroyer that was due to deploy to the Mediterranean amid tensions with Russia is undergoing a repair.

HMS Diamond had been expected to set sail from Portsmouth last week, with her departure initially delayed due to Storm Eunice.

The Type 45 destroyer has now experienced a small defect and is expected to leave soon.

• HMS Albion leaves UK for month-long Arctic exercise
• Why does the Royal Navy patrol the North Atlantic and why is Russia a threat?
• Take a tour of a Royal Navy warship

Diamond will first take part in sea trials before heading to the region where HMS Trent, a River-class offshore patrol vessel, has been conducting patrols with other alliance members.

The UK last week increased its contribution to NATO defences in response to tensions involving Russia.

The delay to Diamond leaving Portsmouth means all six of the UK’s Type 45 destroyers remain in port, with four vessels in Portsmouth and two in Birkenhead.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "HMS Diamond is continuing preparations for her planned operational tasking, in line with previous announcements, including undertaking a minor repair alongside."

The Type 45 returned to the UK in December after being part of the Carrier Strike Group 21 mission – a deployment during which the destroyer suffered several "technical issues".