Britain Wednesday launched the first of six new navy destroyers which at a cost of 605 million pounds (1 billion dollars) each have been described as the "world's most advanced warships." "HMS Daring", a Type 45 destroyer, was launched at a shipyard in Glasgow, Scotland, in front of a cheering crowd of 11,000. The multi-purpose destroyer, which is 150 metres long and weighs 7,350 tons, is due to go into service in 2009. It is fitted with the state-of-the-art Principal Anti-Air Missile System, which is designed to provide airspace cover for hundreds of kilometres around. Defence Secretary John Reid said: "It's a huge boost for the Royal Navy because this is the most capable, most powerful destroyer ever built in Britain." --SP 22 35 Local Time 19 35 GMT
