Watch: HMS Iron Duke arrives in London for DSEI
HMS Iron Duke has arrived in London ahead of the Defence and Security Equipment International show at the ExCeL exhibition centre.
DSEI, which is held every two years, gives governments, military personnel, industry suppliers and manufacturers the chance to meet each other and see the latest military technology on offer.
The Type 23 frigate is in the capital to support the event, showcasing her new Sea Ceptor air defence missile system as well as upgrades to her navigation and communications systems.
Setting sail from Portland in Dorset, the ship navigated her way through the English Channel before entering the River Thames at its most easterly point before making her way to ExCeL London.
Captain James Wallington-Smith told Forces News the ship's company would be supporting the Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence at DSEI by demonstrating what the technology on board the ship can offer.
He explained it was also about "making it real for the companies and for the customers as they see how our sailors employ the technology".
"For the ship's company to come up here into London, to bring a ship all the way up the Thames this far ... is a significant navigational challenge," he said.
"But [it] also marks a real moment in our programme as we move on from the very basic marine engineering trials and proving this ship is safe to be at sea and to delivering for the nation in this defence engagement but also on our road path to [return] to operations."
On the way to London, the crew had the opportunity to conduct high-speed tests, firing up the gas turbines that are used to help the ship hit her maximum speed of more than 28 knots.
The crew also conducted a man overboard exercise, which saw a swimmer and a speedboat deployed from the ship.
HMS Iron Duke returned to service in May this year after last sailing on her own in 2017.
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