Defence Secretary George Robertson and families of the 116-strong crew greeted the vessel as she docked at Faslane naval base on the Clyde after four months at sea.

During the 11-week Nato campaign, the submarine launched an estimated 16 Tomahawk cruise missiles against Serb targets.

But the precise details of her role have remained secret, despite questions to the government last month.

Mr Robertson declined to answer Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn's request for information about the number of cruise missiles fired by Splendid.

The defence secretary said he was withholding the information on the grounds of national security.

Faslane is Splendid's base

On the return of the submarine to Faslane, Mr Robertson wished the submarine's captain, Commander Richard Barker "a happy homecoming" as he stepped ashore.

He said: "It's a proud day and a great job has been done.

"I was winched aboard Splendid earlier and I thanked every single sailor personally for their efforts," said Mr Robertson.

"I saw the troops out in Kosovo on Thursday but I also saw the refugees, and the reception from the refugees was the biggest sign of success for these guys.

"They were part and parcel of a huge Allied effort that defeated evil and allowed the refugees to go home, so they can be very proud because their country's very proud of them," he added.

First launch

HMS Splendid became the first vessel in the Royal Navy to test fire a Tomahawk land attack missile off the coast of southern California last year.

The weapon, which was emblazoned with the words Royal Navy, was fired underwater from the submarine and destroyed a building on a US test range.

HMS Splendid entered service in 1981 as one of the Navy's Swiftsure class of nuclear-powered, conventionally-armed submarines.

The crew regularly face lengthy periods away from home as the advent of nuclear power has meant cleaner, quieter vessels that can spend longer underwater.

Although by no means luxurious, messes are equipped with videos and stereos, and the galleys are stocked with fresh food and soft drinks.