Type 45 Destroyer HMS Defender has opened fire off the coast of the UK as part of gunnery training.

The vessel is sharpening her skills ahead of deployment.

The purpose of gunnery training is self explanatory, crews need to remain familiar with how to operate the weapons they’re responsible for to ensure the ship can fight.

HMS Defender is joining the rest of HMS Queen Elizabeth’s Carrier Strike Group in Exercise Strike Warrior which is due to begin shortly off the Scottish coast.

This exercise is designed to prepare the Carrier Strike Group for their upcoming global deployment.

HMS Queen Elizabeth’s ‘Carrier Strike Group 21’ deployment will feature visits to India, Japan, Republic of Korea and Singapore.

According to the Ministry of Defence, on the 28-week deployment spanning 26,000 nautical miles the Carrier Strike Group will conduct engagements with Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Japan and India as part of the UK’s tilt towards the Indo-Pacific region.

You can read more about the global deployment by clicking here.

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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Ian M.
Ian M.
2 years ago

Shoot!

Gunbuster
Gunbuster
2 years ago
Reply to  Ian M.

Check….Check…Check….

Ian M.
Ian M.
2 years ago
Reply to  Gunbuster

No, FIRE!
Oh Bu**er😖

Gunbuster
Gunbuster
2 years ago
Reply to  Ian M.

Up 200 3 rounds fire for effect… Shoot…… Beep… Beep…. Beep…. Failing…. Falling… SPLASH!
Target destroyed.

Ian M.
Ian M.
2 years ago
Reply to  Gunbuster

I once watched 25 Fld Regt R.A. do their final ever shoot at Munsterlager. Using a F.A.C.E. computer, they managed to produce a paralume display of “XXV” at altitude, very impressive for clockwork computing.

Steve Ash
Steve Ash
2 years ago
Reply to  Ian M.

FACE????Now thats old school,,,,

Ian M
Ian M
2 years ago
Reply to  Steve Ash

64Kb of ferrite core memory😁

Mr Bell
Mr Bell
2 years ago

Need to sharpen up those skills. They will definitely be escorted through South China Sea by a very large contingent of PLAN warships. Maybe even their type 001 or 002 carrier might make an appearance. Also expect huge overflights and being continually buzzed.

James
James
2 years ago
Reply to  Mr Bell

If they know you are Trigger happy like the Turks were with the Russians and French they won’t buzz you ! Because they have 2 choices to retreat or to start an unnecessary serious war . It’s a situation of who blinks first? I would not want to blink first with states like that who respect strength only. As soon they get close to the Chinese they must start firing and claim we are conducting exercise and warm them to avoid accidents , that would deter the Chinese from getting closer . But if idle they will get closer!

Last edited 2 years ago by James
captain p wash
captain p wash
2 years ago
Reply to  James

Just my opinion, not that it matters anymore than anyone else’s on here, I don’t actually think China really gives a damn what a few British and Allied Ships, Aircraft (8 F35’s is all we can muster) and Submarines will actually be trying to do so far from home in their back yard. Take a look at their Inventory of Ships, Aircraft and Submarines not to mention the 1,400,000,000. population. It’s not like we are at War, nor is it 1982.

Supportive Bloke
Supportive Bloke
2 years ago
Reply to  captain p wash

I am not so sure. The point is more to demonstrate that there is strength and resolve. USN sends one of theirs, French send CDG, USMC send a Gator, UK sends QEC that is a lot of pause for thought. Maybe sending a multi carrier force in one go would send a bigger message but that might get a bit OTT. The Chinese (and the Russians) do respect strength and certainly the Russians very much reappraised the UK after UK kept fighting and sustaining losses in ’82. I agree it is not ’82 but in order to prevent son-of-’82 occurring… Read more »

captain p wash
captain p wash
2 years ago

As I mentioned though, It’s just my opinion and yes I agree with you on all your points, heck, I would rather have not got involved truth be known but…. and this is a very big but, China is on another planet when it comes to military strength. 8 F35’s on a deck floating around the SCS will not worry a nation hell bent on World domination at a rate not seen since Adolf ….. As a joint show of force and part of the greater Picture then, yes mate…. I’m all for it.

Robert Blay.
Robert Blay.
2 years ago
Reply to  captain p wash

I have to disagree mate. The Chinese can only have wet dreams about putting 5th gen capability to sea, send it to the far side of the world, and sustain it for 7 months or more, along with some of the worlds finest escorts and nuclear sub. They simply don’t have that level of capability despite the numbers they possess. The statement goes much further than the number of aircraft on deck. And 18 F35’s is a very very capable airwing to take to sea for the first time. And we are not heading that way to start a war.… Read more »

Captain P Wash
Captain P Wash
2 years ago
Reply to  Robert Blay.

But they do have @ 100 modern Frigates and Destroyers not to mention over 1000 Combat aircraft and countless other craft of all types. I’d hate to see them all turn up to welcome us !

Robert Blay
Robert Blay
2 years ago
Reply to  Captain P Wash

Me neither 😆But just like every nation, they will have the same problems with maintenance, refits, crew training, availability. How many of these 1000 combat aircraft are in any operational fit state at any one time. Nations like China and Russia are very good at making the numbers look good on paper, but the reality can be very different. And what is the experience and training like. It’s not like they take part in Joint Warriors or Red Flags every year or had years of experience in Afghan or Iraq. And it’s not like a conflict would be a QE… Read more »

Eufster
Eufster
2 years ago

Let’s just all keep in mind that China could just as easily send their carrier through the English channel

Andy P
Andy P
2 years ago
Reply to  Eufster

Yeah, there’s a lot of willie waving going on and each side will have what they see as good reasons to wave theirs.

It is what it is but its a bit saddening that we’re so advanced in some respects but we’ve not really evolved since we lived in caves in others. 😞

captain p wash
captain p wash
2 years ago
Reply to  Andy P

Bang on there mate…… bang on.😕

Posse Comitatus
Posse Comitatus
2 years ago
Reply to  Eufster

They could, The English Channel is international waters, but whether they would be able to is a different matter. Sending and sustaining a carrier group on the other side of the world is a task that few navies can manage. Only the US, UK, and France can really manage the task, it is the mark of a true blue water navy. China, despite its growth in naval tonnage and ambition is still a regional navy when it comes to power projection and complex naval operations. A moot point perhaps if your country is adjacent to the SCS, but for anyone… Read more »

Robert Blay.
Robert Blay.
2 years ago
Reply to  Eufster

They can’t. They do not have the capability to send a carrier task group thousands of miles from home, and sustain it for 7 months. And they don’t have 5th gen capability to put to sea.

Captain P Wash
Captain P Wash
2 years ago
Reply to  Robert Blay.

Morning Mate, funny enough I was just reading an article about China looking for a Base on the west coast of Africa to base Subs and Aircraft Carriers. It’s on the News Now site or Latest World defence breaking news 24/7. They are deffo heading our way.

David
David
2 years ago
Reply to  Captain P Wash

Google Economist Port ownership: the Chinese have 33% of world ports under their control; the takeover of the Sri Lankan port just one more sign of their ambition / ability to interdict our SLOCs.

China needs facing down and a combined carrier group accompanied by other 5 eyes plus ROCs, JPN, Singapore and Indian would give them pause… that and allied subs surfacing around the area.

China are bullies who think their political doctrine should rule far and wide. No further should be made clear to them.

Captain P Wash
Captain P Wash
2 years ago
Reply to  David

Yes I see what they are doing with the money we are all chucking at them and I see how they are Empire Building, I also see what Military equipment they are building including Aircraft Carriers, Landing ships, Amphibious ships, Frigates, destroyers and the likes…. You don’t do all that without a reason. I agree about us sending some sort of message but fear it’s akin to Beating a Wasp nest with a stick.

Paul T
Paul T
2 years ago
Reply to  Captain P Wash

China already has Berthing rights in Sri Lanka I believe, as well as a Dock Facility in Djibouti, so yes they are edging closer. The Icing on the Cake would be similar options on the West or North African Coast enabling easier Deployments to the Mediterranean and North Atlantic.

Jon
Jon
2 years ago
Reply to  Eufster

Why would we worry about that? Russia used to do it all the time when their carrier was operational. It’s China that’s objecting to freedom of navigation, not us.

Last edited 2 years ago by Jon
Karl
Karl
2 years ago
Reply to  captain p wash

Agree, it’s all chest-puffing. A lot distracts from the domestic agenda in each country. I agree with it from freedom of navigation rules though.
China is wanting access to the wider Indian/Pacific Oceans. Understandable, but the economic clout they have speaks louder than military equipment.

captain p wash
captain p wash
2 years ago
Reply to  captain p wash

Yup mate, I know…. I read it in the Daily Star a few year back !!!! seriously though, It’s not another Cod Wars Scenario here, This is a potential WW3 in my book….

captain p wash
captain p wash
2 years ago
Reply to  captain p wash

In peace, they will continue to play along but I fear this is just the start……. A bit like a Boxer weighing up his next opponent.

Quentin D63
Quentin D63
2 years ago
Reply to  captain p wash

Next place for the massive Chinese fishing fleet … Kiribas – Kiribati? This could cause a real stir in the n’hood.
I wonder if there is a food problem in China if they do any fish farming? Such a large population to feed. India is just as big.

Gunbuster
Gunbuster
2 years ago
Reply to  Mr Bell

We will call them or the Radio, they will call us…. Everyone will gob off about intentions, driving safely , keeping clear and not to make stupid turns infront of vessels. The TG will get buzzed by aircraft. The PLAN will get buzzed by aircraft. Everyone on all sides will be trying to tickle the other side into breaking their EMCON plan so that they can listen, record and analyse transmissions from radio, radar, jammers, sonar etc. Add to that loads of picture taking and analysis of capabilities in doing maneuvers, RAS, Flight Deck Ops, High Seas practise firings of… Read more »

David
David
2 years ago
Reply to  Mr Bell

The T45 can ‘fry’ them with her radar if she wants: air fried rice next on the menu… 😉

Captain P Wash
Captain P Wash
2 years ago
Reply to  David

😆

JJ Smallpiece
JJ Smallpiece
2 years ago

A single 4.5″ will never be as impressive as a full broadside of 8 x 15″ from yester year.

Quentin D63
Quentin D63
2 years ago
Reply to  JJ Smallpiece

Hi JJ, I just hope that all UK ships have all their Harpoons on board too as aren’t these 4.5s only good out to 20-24km?

Pete
Pete
2 years ago
Reply to  Quentin D63

I didn’t see all the footage from the weekend departures but at least one of the 45’s didn’t have Harppon fitted. Gunbuster probably best to comment. I think he saw both in detail. P

Gunbuster
Gunbuster
2 years ago
Reply to  Pete

Both T23 have harpoon.
1 x T45 has launcher frame work but no missiles…it may get them at a point prior to departure. As they are conducting a 45 shoot they will need to Ammo ship anyway.
They could do it in UK or even Gib.
The other T45 has no Harpoon frames but lots of extra aerials fitted and they are not there for receiving Pearl or Star TV when in the SCS!

Pete
Pete
2 years ago
Reply to  Gunbuster

Cheers..

Quentin Drury
Quentin Drury
2 years ago
Reply to  Gunbuster

Hi Gunbuster, I just don’t understand all this under-arming of ASMs in the T45s. Aren’t the latest block of harpoons still one of cheaper missiles? I’m not a military person but if you’re going to send a $1bn vessel out as a deterrent surely you want to have some hardware armament to show for it!? And I will harp on about this too, putting some 48 Camm in 4*6 silos (if there’s room?) down the sides of the Asters would muscle these ships up!
Quentin

Quentin Drury
Quentin Drury
2 years ago
Reply to  Quentin Drury

Sorry, make that GBP1bn!

Andrew D
Andrew D
2 years ago
Reply to  JJ Smallpiece

Like HMS vanguard

Nigel Collins
Nigel Collins
2 years ago

I believe a fourth is planned. 15 Apr 2021 “China’s New Aircraft Carrier Is In Same League As US Navy’s Ford ClassThe Chinese Navy is radically modernizing its capabilities. Chief among these are a fleet of aircraft carriers. A new satellite image clearly shows the Type-003 aircraft carrier taking shape in Shanghai, and it is the largest so far.” “One significant difference compared to the Ford Class is that the Type-003 is not expected to use nuclear propulsion. But it should still have a more modern propulsion system than the Soviet era steam turbines on the Liaoning and Shandong. Whether… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Nigel Collins
Captain P Wash
Captain P Wash
2 years ago
Reply to  Nigel Collins

Yes and they are looking for a Base on the west coast of Africa which gives them another level of operational capability.

Pete
Pete
2 years ago
Reply to  Captain P Wash

Pre 2004 tsunami they were actively looking to set up a Naval base in Myanmar opposite the Andaman Islands and with a direct rail link back to China. If military stay in power i wouldn’t be surprised if they looked at that again.

captain p wash
captain p wash
2 years ago
Reply to  Pete

Well yes mate… History shows how Empires are built and this is History repeating itself in my book. “We” are now the little player in the big game, however people choose to see it. Britannia used to rule the waves but she only managed it due to the sheer numbers of ships. 😧

BB85
BB85
2 years ago

Things are not just heating up in the south China Sea but all over that Pacific region and over fishing is rampant. China needs to sustain a population of 1.4bn and intends to fish wherever it wants without permission. That is why they claimed the South China Sea as their own territory and if they have 100s of naval vessels what are the Philippines and Indonesia going to do to stop them. A US carrier or the RN are never going to get involved in a military convict over China over fishing in someone else’s eez.

Leonidas
Leonidas
2 years ago

“ON THE UPROLL………..FIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”