Star Trek Into Darkness has received an official synopsis, Digital Spy said.

Paramount Pictures has released a summary of the closely-guarded plot, which still hides much of the sequel's details.

"In Summer 2013, pioneering director JJ Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes Star Trek Into Darkness," said the studio.

"When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organisation has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis.

"With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction.

"As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew."

Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin and Simon Pegg will return for the sequel alongside newcomers Benedict Cumberbatch, Alice Eve and Peter Weller.

Star Trek into Darkness will debut in cinemas on May 17, 2013.