British warship in Colombo

HMS Defender

Royal Navy warship, HMS Defender, is on a routine visit to Colombo to take on stores and fuel before continuing her journey in the Indian Ocean.

This is the first time in four years that a Royal Navy warship is visiting Sri Lanka, an indication of closer defence relations between the two countries.

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.