Recruits will be trained on screens replicating equipment on the latest type 45 destroyers and existing ships.

BBC: Devonport navy training in 'radical change'

It is the last of the Type 42 class to go on active operations before they are replaced by new generation Type 45 destroyers.

BBC: HMS Edinburgh returns to Portsmouth from final deployment

Defender is the fifth of the navy's six new Type 45 destroyers to be commissioned, following HMS Daring, HMS Dauntless, HMS Diamond and HMS Dragon.

BBC: HMS Defender commissioning ceremony held in Portsmouth

The company said it had a shortfall in orders and work on new Type 45 destroyers for the Ministry of Defence would not arrive in time to secure the future of the entire workforce of more than 2, 000.

BBC: News Online

The effect of project delays was underlined this week in a report from the National Audit Office which revealed that the first three new Type 45 destroyers will enter service without sonar defences to protect them against submarine attack.

ECONOMIST: Public investment