Royal Navy warships to undergo refits over reliability

HMS Duncan is one of six Type 45 Destroyers to undergo refits Credit: ITV Meridian

The Royal Navy's most modern warships will need to have holes cut in their sides to fit them with new engines because they keep breaking down.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the six Type 45 destroyers, based in Portsmouth are to undergo major refits amid concerns over their reliability.

The work will be staggered over a period of years so some ships remain available for operational commitments at all times. The move follows reports of persistent problems with the engines and power systems on the ships which cost £1 billion each.

In 2014, HMS Dauntless had to abandon a training exercise and in 2009 HMS Daring lost power in the Atlantic on her first voyage to the US.

In November, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon announced Portsmouth-based HMS Defender would provide air defence cover for the carrier Charles de Gaulle in the fight against Islamic State.