Armament is made up of a mix of ballistic and missile weapons: there is a 4.5" Mk.8 turreted naval gun over the forecastle with 2 x 30mm DS30M Mk.2 guns and 2 x Miniguns. 4 x 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) are fitted for extreme close-in work. 1 x 32-cell GWS 35 series Vertical Launching System (VLS) is embedded into the hull and supports the "Sea Ceptor" Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) weapon series (this replacing the original "Sea Wolf" model). 2 x 4-cell Harpoon missile launchers counter surface naval threats and 2 x 324mm twin-tubed torpedo launchers can be used against both surface threats and undersea dangers.
To satisfy the ASW role, the ship can carry up to two Westland "Lynx Wildcat" HMA.2 ASW helicopter (or similar) equipped with torpedoes and sonar. A helipad/flight deck and full-service enclosed hangar is integrated into the ship's design at the stern.
To date (2021), actions involving Richmond has covered various exercises including NATO-sponsored ones. She took part in British actions related to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 by way of offshore attacks and then served in a humanitarian role at Turks and Caicos following Hurricane Francis. Anti-piracy actions then followed with the EU Naval Force in Middle East and Asia-Pacific waters. During 2015 and the mass migration from warn-torn Syria, she served as part of the anti-smuggling force in Mediterranean waters.
From 2017 until 2019, she underwent an extensive refit (LIFEX) to keep her viable for years to come - this included installation of MTU M35B diesel units, a first for any ship of the class.
HMS Richmond continues in an active role today, having recently (2021) transited waters of the Taiwan Straight en route to Thailand - resulting in condemnation from China.
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