CONSTRUCTION of the Royal Navy's second new offshore patrol vessel got under way today in Glasgow.

Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon, formally started construction of HMS Medway, the second of three River Class Batch 2 vessels, by operating the plasma steel-cutting machine.

The Secretary of State said the contract would benefit the "dedicated workers of the Clyde" and Glasgow's economy.

The event was attended by representatives from the Royal Navy, the local community and BAE Systems employees.

The 90 metre OPV is based on a proven BAE Systems design, which is already in service with the Brazilian Navy and Royal Thai Navy.

It will be globally deployable and capable of ocean patrol with a range of in excess of 5,000 nautical miles and a maximum speed of 24 knots.

The vessels will include a modified flight deck capable of operating the latest Merlin helicopters, larger stores and more accommodation for embarked troops.

Construction of the first of class vessel HMS Forth is now well under way with its first unit transferred into the Ship Build Outfit Hall in Glasgow last week.

The vessel is now being assembled alongside the final sections of the second Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier, which will be delivered to Rosyth during the course of this year.

Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon, said: "These new ships are an important part of the £160 billion we are investing over the next decade in the equipment our armed forces need.

"The contract will benefit the dedicated workers of the Clyde, their families and the local economy in Glasgow.

"And the investment will ensure these shipyards continue to develop into world class engineering facilities at the heart of a thriving British naval shipbuilding capability."

Mick Ord, Managing Director at BAE Systems Naval Ships, said: "This is a proud day for everyone working on this important programme to deliver three new ships to the Royal Navy.

"The pace of progress on the River Class vessels reinforces the naval design, engineering and manufacturing skills we have in the UK."

The production of HMS Trent the third River Class ship, is expected to begin by the end of this year.