HMS Monmouth, one of the Royal Navy's type-23 frigates. PHOTO: ROYAL NAVY

The Royal Navy is relying on specially modified forklifts to resupply its warships with Seawolf missiles vital to their defence. Stanley Handling Ltd in Coldharbour Lane was contracted to supply these "canister rotation units" to load type-23 frigates.

The forklifts are said to load the missiles in their sealed, self-contained and ready to fire launch canisters more quickly and safely than before, and are expected to significantly reduce ammunition re-supply times for Britain's frigates.

The Seawolfs, supplied to the Royal Navy by manufacturer MBDA, were used to destroy attacking aircraft in the Falklands War.