Baroness Taylor, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, said: "This overhaul is part of a vital programme to ensure that our Trafalgar class submarines remain at the forefront of Britain's underwater operational capabilities until the end of the next decade. HMS Torbay will undoubtedly bolster the potency of our submarine fleet with her new missiles and improved sonar systems."

Capt Ian Lofthouse RN, from the MoD Defence Equipment and Support In-Service Submarines Project Team, said: "I believe HMS Torbay's overhaul demonstrates an excellent collaboration between the MoD, Royal Navy and the two Babcock Marine sites. It represents a significant upgrade to support Torbay through her forthcoming operational life, ensuring her key place in submarine flotilla operations into the future."

The refit comprises routine maintenance activity as well as the opportunity to incorporate upgrades. Around 400 military and civilian personnel were employed on the project at Faslane.

The advanced Sonar 2076 is a fully integrated system comprising bow, flank, fin and towed arrays that can track an object the size of a bus at a distance of more than 50 miles. New communications equipment will allow internet access even when the submarine is deep underwater, and a new charting system is due to be trialled on board.

Following sea trials and sea training over the next few months, HMS Torbay is expected to be fully operational by the summer.

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