HMS Sutherland returns to sea after upgrade

Above: HMS Sutherland.
Courtesy Babcock

Following a significant upgrade and modernisation programme, HMS Sutherland has set sail for initial training prior to sea trials – marking a major milestone in her journey back to full operational capability with the Royal Navy.

Babcock have successfully delivered major enhancements, including a power generation and machinery upgrade, structural surveys and critical system installations.

Collaboration has been key to the programme’s success, with Babcock teams working with the Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence (MoD) to ensure HMS Sutherland remains a highly capable asset for years to come. The upgrade was carried out as part of the Royal Navy’s commitment to sustain and enhance the fleet’s operational capability into the 2030s.

To mark her return to sea, HMS Sutherland was officially handed over to the Royal Navy at a small ceremony onboard before she headed down the River Tamar into Plymouth Sound.

Sir Nick Hine, Chief Executive, Marine Sector, Babcock, said: “After a significant upkeep programme, it is fantastic to see HMS Sutherland starting sea trials and well on her way to achieving full capability before rejoining the fleet.

“Our team has provided trusted expertise, utilising our long-standing through-life support experience to ready the ship before she recommences her journey to support the nation’s defence.

“We’re proud to support these important naval assets and to work alongside our MoD and Royal Navy colleagues.”

Phil Siveter, CEO Thales in the UK, said: “At Thales we are delighted to continue supporting the Royal Navy in its vital mission to protect our nation. This long-term fleetwide support framework reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the Royal Navy remains combat-ready and equipped with world-class communications capabilities, today and into the future.

"Building on seven years of trusted partnership, we are proud to provide the technical excellence and on-the-ground support that keeps ships, submarines and installations operational and mission-ready. By working as ‘one team’ across the Naval Enterprise, we are driving innovation and systems integration to place the Royal Navy at the cutting edge of defence technology for the next decade.”