THE Royal Navy has revealed that Glasgow is to be the adopted home of one of the most sophisticated warships in the world.

HMS Defender, a Type 45 destroyer using ultra-modern technology, is being built at BVT Surface Fleet's Clyde yards.

The vessel, costing more than £560million, is due to be launched in October.

Announcing the new link during a visit to the city was the navy's top officer in Scotland, Rear Admiral Martin Alabaster.

He said: "The Royal Navy is honoured Lord Provost Bob Winter has formally accepted this affiliation with HMS Defender today on behalf of the city of Glasgow.

"I am certain the ship will enjoy a long and close association with the city which will build great pride within those who serve on board HMS Defender.

"I hope, too, that the people of Glasgow will feel pride in their ship and take an active interest in her operations and community involvement, whether that be at home or in foreign waters."

Mr Winter said: "We look forward to welcoming HMS Defender to her adopted home in the near future and we will be sure to make her and her crew very welcome."

HMS Defender, which is over 150m long, is part of the most powerful destroyer class ever built in the UK.

She will be equipped with a state of the art air defence system and have a range of 7000 nautical miles.

Naval ships previously affiliated with the city include Type 42 destroyer HMS Glasgow, and Type 23 frigate HMS Argyll.