HMS Defender (D36) Royal Navy Ship Tea Coffee Mug Gift

HMS Defender (D36) is the fifth of the Royal Navy's six Type 45 (Daring-class) air-defence destroyers, built by BAE Systems, launched in 2009, and commissioned in March 2013. Primarily designed for anti-air warfare, she is equipped with the Sea Viper (PAAMS) missile system using Aster 15/30 missiles in a 48-cell Sylver silo, advanced Sampson radar, a 4.5-inch gun, and facilities for a Wildcat or Merlin helicopter, enabling fleet air defence, maritime security, and multi-role operations. Notable incidents include a 2021 Black Sea passage off Crimea that provoked Russian warnings, and extensive deployments supporting carrier groups, counter-piracy, and drug interdiction. As of early 2026, Defender remains in service but is undergoing a major Power Improvement Project (PIP) refit and capability upgrade in Portsmouth since 2023, including new diesel generators, a 24-cell Sea Ceptor silo addition, and planned Naval Strike Missile integration, with return to operational status expected in summer 2026.