The Royal Navy’s HMS Dauntless has successfully neutralised multiple drone threats during a high-intensity live-fire exercise off the coast of Wales. The Portsmouth-based Type 45 destroyer participated in Exercise Sharpshooter, which tested the ship’s capabilities in defending against both real and simulated threats in air and sea environments.
Multi-Weapon Defence Systems Deployed
The exercise saw the crew of HMS Dauntless deploy a range of advanced weaponry, including the Phalanx close-in weapon system, 30mm and 4.5-inch guns, and Martlet missiles launched from an embarked Wildcat helicopter. These systems were used to counter a series of drone attacks, with the crew displaying impressive skill in protecting the ship from complex and sustained threats.
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard was on board during the exercise and commended the crew for their exceptional performance. He stated: “The speed and skill shown by the crew of HMS Dauntless in defending the ship against a complex and sustained series of drone attacks was incredibly impressive.”
Simulating Real-World Threats
The exercise featured unmanned systems, such as the Banshee Whirlwind aerial drones and Hammerhead uncrewed surface vessels, developed by QinetiQ. These systems were designed to simulate modern swarming drone attacks, which have become a key concern in military operations globally.
The exercise was designed to closely mirror recent events in the Red Sea, where Portsmouth-based HMS Diamond engaged several drones launched by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels using its Sea Viper missile system. Such drills are vital to ensuring that the Royal Navy stays prepared to counter evolving threats in real-world scenarios.
Preparation for Future Deployments
This training was part of the Royal Navy’s preparations for the HMS Prince of Wales, which will soon take command of the UK Carrier Strike Group (UKCSG) during a deployment to the Indo-Pacific. The aircraft carrier will conduct military operations and diplomatic visits across the region, including exercises with NATO allies in countries such as Australia and Japan.
One significant upcoming operation is Exercise Talisman Sabre, a multinational naval exercise that will involve several allied navies, including those from Australia and Japan.
The success of HMS Dauntless in this exercise reaffirms the Royal Navy’s readiness to address the evolving challenges of modern naval warfare.
