Royal Navy dispatches destroyer to Black Sea to head-up Nato taskforce protecting Brit troops in Ukraine

January 29, 2017 (The Sun) MS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer, will sail to Ukraine carrying as many as 60 Royal Marine and Special Boat Service commandos – and equipped with state-of-the-art anti-aircraft rockets.

HMS Diamond pictured leaving Portsmouth's naval dockyard

HMS Diamond, which will carry 3000mph Sea Viper missiles, will lead a Nato task force, as well as help protect 650 troops deployed in Ukraine.The display of strength comes after Theresa May told US politicians both the UK and USA should stand up to Vladimir Putin, the Mail on Sunday reported. It was previously dispatched to Libya to tackle migrant boats in the Mediterranean. The ship is protected by a modern Gatling gun called 'Phalanx' - which fires 20mm shells at 3,000 rounds a minute - while its amphibious warfare troops will be transported by Lynx Mk8 helicopter. Lord West, a former Royal Navy head, told the Mail on Sunday: "This is an operation with a very serious purpose. HMS Diamond can really look after herself and President Putin is a man who respects hard military power."

Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon added: "The UK is sending a clear message that we are committed to defending democracy across the world and support Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity." HMS Diamond's arrival will reportedly coincide with the deployment of British troops to Estonia and Poland, while the RAF also sends Typhoon jets to Romania.

HMS Diamond's Weapons and Equipment:

• Sophisticated multi-function Sampson radar
• Phalanx Gatling gun, firing 20mm shells at 3,000 rounds per minute
• 3000mph Sea Viper anti-air missile
• 4.5 inch MK8 main gun, firing up to 24 high explosive shells, weighing over 40kg, per minute

Full article is available at

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/2731060/royal-navy-dispatches-destroyer-to-black-sea-to-head-up-nato-taskforce-protecting-brit-troops-in-ukraine/