The Ministry of Defence has doubled the number of Type 45 Destroyers it has on contract with industry from an initial three ships to a £2 billion order for six ships.

The cost of the ships when they are completed and fully equipped is expected to be £4.3 billion - making the contract the biggest single UK surface warship order for decades.

Forum Response: BAE Systems

Simon Kirby, managing director of BAE Systems Marine, told ePolitix.com: "We are delighted that agreement has been reached for this stage of the contract.

"The Type 45 contract, from the build of the first ship and throughout the entire programme, will provide a level of stability for the workforce on the Clyde we have not seen for many years.

"This contract will allow us to continue our investment programme at Scotstoun and Govan and reinforces our commitment to shipbuilding on the Clyde for the long term."