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Thousands watch launch of worlds most advanced warship at BAE Systems shipyard

01 Feb 2006

A crowd of around 11,000 people today watched the launch of HMS Daring, the First of the Royal Navys new class of Type 45 Anti-Air Warfare Destroyers. Daring was named and launched by Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex at BAE Systems shipyard in Scotstoun on the Clyde.

Speaking after the launch, BAE Systems Naval Ships Managing Director Vic Emery said: This is a great day for the shipbuilding community on the Clyde and for the men and women across the UK who have done so much to design and build this magnificent ship.

The lessons we have learned on Daring will mean that the subsequent Type 45s are completed with ever higher levels of efficiency. We are committed to delivering capability to the Royal Navy and by doing that we will ensure that the Clyde remains the natural home of warship building in the UK.

Secretary of State for Defence Dr. John Reid added: HMS Daring will be the most powerful destroyer the UK has ever built. The launch of this first Type 45 is a milestone to the Royal Navy of the future and is indicative of the quality and professionalism of the Clyde workforce. It is proof that the Government gives our sailors the tools they need to do their job now and in the future.

The class of up to eight Type 45 Anti-Air Warfare Destroyers will provide the backbone of the Royal Navy fleet for the first half of the 21st century. When the ships enter service from 2009 they will be amongst the most advanced fighting ships in the world.

As the Prime Contractor for the programme, BAE Systems is responsible for design and systems integration, supervising the assembly at its own facilities on the Clyde and at VT Shipbuilding in Portsmouth and commissioning the ships to bring them into service.

The multi-billion pound programme is one of the largest defence programmes underway in the UK and is engaging a network of suppliers and partners throughout the UK and beyond, securing thousands of jobs in industry.

About BAE SYSTEMS

BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. The Company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, combat vehicles, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years and is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems. BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The Company employs 100,000 people worldwide and generates annual sales of approximately 14.8 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.

For further information, please contact:

Colin Edgar, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 7810 717 860

Charles Thompson, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 7736 810 933