Merlin Mk 2 helicopters of Britain's Royal Navy have achieved full operating capability status following their upgrade by Lockheed Martin and AgustaWestland.

The modernization of the anti-submarine aircraft is part of a $1.24 billion Ministry of Defense program that includes new radar and cockpits, touch-screen displays crew consoles.

The Royal Navy has now received 24 out of the 30 helicopters set for modernization, the Ministry of Defense said.

"The considerable investment the UK government has made in these next-generation Merlin helicopters will ensure that we continue to deliver a flexible capability that meets the needs of our Armed Forces," said Defense Minister Philip Dunne. "This program forms part of this government's commitment to invest ... in our helicopter fleet over the next 10 years as part of our �Pounds 160 billion [$246 billion] Equipment Plan to provide our people with the very best equipment and support."

The Merlin Mk 2 helicopters are expected to be deployed on the Royal Navy's new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, as well as frigates, destroyers and support ships worldwide.