In a recent update shared by the UK Carrier Strike Group, HMS Iron Duke, a Type 23 frigate, can be seen playing a key role in the ongoing Exercise Strike Warrior.
The training sees the frigate deploying its sensor and weapon capabilities to defend the fleet from simulated missile attacks and surface threats.
DUKE-ing it out!
HMS Iron Duke goes in for the hunt. ⚓️
Using her Wildcat, advanced sensors and weapons, she’s been defending the fleet from missile attacks and surface threats in Exercise #StrikeWarrior.#FrigateFriday pic.twitter.com/deMbgdow4y
— UK Carrier Strike Group (@COMUKCSG) October 18, 2024
HMS Iron Duke’s Wildcat helicopter is being used to enhance the ship’s surveillance and offensive capabilities, while advanced sensors and weapon systems enable the frigate to operate efficiently within the task group.
The UK Carrier Strike Group tweeted, “DUKE-ing it out! HMS Iron Duke goes in for the hunt,” referring to the vessel’s crucial role in the exercise.
For HMS Iron Duke, this exercise offers an opportunity to demonstrate its combat capabilities while honing the skills of its crew in complex maritime scenarios.
What is Strike Warrior?
Exercise Strike Warrior is a major naval training event held by the Royal Navy, designed to enhance combat readiness and strengthen interoperability among allied forces. Taking place off the coast of Scotland, the exercise involves a wide array of naval assets, including surface ships, submarines, and air units, such as the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG).
HMS Prince of Wales, one of the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, plays a central role, alongside other vessels like HMS Iron Duke. The training scenarios during Strike Warrior include simulated air and missile attacks, anti-submarine warfare, and surface combat exercises, providing a rigorous test of the fleet’s capabilities.
The exercise also serves as a crucial preparation stage for future deployments, ensuring that the Royal Navy and its allies remain ready to respond to global threats.
It brings together forces from NATO allies and partner nations, fostering coordination and tactical skill development among participants. By simulating high-intensity combat operations, Strike Warrior aims to ensure that participating units, including aircraft, frigates, and destroyers, are well-prepared to meet the challenges of naval warfare.
Quite aside from anything else, Iron Duke is an all time great name
Er, should not a T45 be defending against missile attack?
And invoking the helo sounds like the author read ‘Red Storm Rising’ Hammer and British counterpart. Too often.
Let’s bear in mind that T23 + Sea Ceptor is much more competent than T42 + Sea Dart ever was.
With a likely reach out to 40km Sea Ceptor ticks an awful lot of boxes very well.
There needs to be a fall back solution if T45 is offline so this has to be rehearsed.
When the Chinese Navy is outbuilding the USN, I understand your thoughts but disagree.
We need a well rounded fleet to deliver defence- that means enough AAW Destroyers at Sea all the time and able to also commit to CSG.
We don’t have it and no excuses should be made for not having it, however, I do agree with your point.
The RN needs a fundamental review on manning, retention and platforms. Simple as.
Can the Wildcat talk to the carrier yet? Has the link 16 been installed?
AA
This would imply that it has some form of ship to cab comms other than a shouty phone?