Personnel from the Royal Navy's 820 Naval Air Squadron, together with their Merlin helicopter, will be carrying out anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden over the next few months.

Although Merlin helicopters - the Royal Navy’s most modern aircraft - are primarily intended for anti-submarine warfare, their size, speed and versatility are said to make them well-suited to maritime security operations.

The helicopter has sufficient capacity to carry Royal Marines for sniper operations and boarding via fast roping, both which are vital to counter the threat of pirates. It is also fitted with thermal imaging equipment and heavy duty machine guns.

Lieutenant Commander Neil Brian, Deputy Force Commander of the Merlin Helicopter Force, commented: 'Deploying one of the most capable and versatile helicopters in the world to this region will enhance the Royal Navy’s ability to counter the constant threat that piracy poses to vessels of all nations.'