BAE Systems began construction in Scotland on Monday of the second offshore patrol vessel for the Royal Navy.

Defense Secretary Michael Fallon, at BAE Systems in Glasgow, kicked off the building program for the future HMS Medway, a River-class vessel, by operating the plasma steel-cutting machine at an event.

"This is a proud day for everyone working on this important program to deliver three new ships to the Royal Navy," said Mick Ord, managing director at BAE Systems Naval Ship. "The pace of progress on the River Class vessels reinforces the naval design, engineering and manufacturing skills we have in the UK.

"We are working closely with our trade unions, the Ministry of Defense and partners in the supply chain as we continue to build on our proud heritage shipbuilding heritage. With investments in new technologies, cutting-edge processes, new ways of working and improved facilities we are transforming the way we design and build warships."

Construction of the first-of-class vessel, HMS FORTH, is now well underway. It is 295 feet long, has a maximum speed of 24 knots and has a range of more than 5,000 nautical miles.

The OPVs will feature a modified flight deck capable of operating the latest Merlin helicopters, larger stores and more accommodation for embarked troops. BAE Systems said the River-class ships are being built under a system called Shared Infrastructure, which uses virtual technologies to host and integrate the sensors, weapons and management systems required by warships.

The production of HMS TRENT, the third River-class ship, is expected to begin by the end of this year.

The first ship is due to be delivered to the Royal Navy in 2017.