British war ship HMS Defender in Sri Lanka

The UK war ship HMS Defender is paying a routine visit to Colombo to take on stores and fuel before continuing with her duties in the Indian Ocean.

This is the first time in four years that a RN warship has visited Sri Lanka, a country with which the United Kingdom shares a long military history, the British High Commission said in a statement.

The Ship’s visit now is a welcome signal of the closer defence relations the two countries are developing. 

HMS Defender is a Type 45 Destroyer, built in the United Kingdom and is one of the world’s most advanced warships. She is equipped with the Principal Anti Air Missile weapon system, a medium-range gun, close-in weapon systems and carries a maritime helicopter that is equipped to engage surface and sub-surface targets. While in Sri Lanka the Ship’s company will meet with counterparts from the Sri Lankan Navy and also play them at selected sports.