HMS Dauntless has completed a high-intensity live-fire exercise off the Welsh coast, successfully intercepting waves of drones in a final trial before joining the UK’s upcoming Carrier Strike Group (CSG) deployment to the Indo-Pacific.

During Exercise Sharpshooter, the Type 45 destroyer neutralised dozens of threats—both real and simulated—across air and sea using her full suite of weaponry.

These, say the Royal Navy, included the Phalanx close-in weapon system, 30mm and 4.5-inch guns, and Martlet missiles fired from an embarked Wildcat helicopter.

The five-day drill, involving over 350 personnel from the Royal Navy and defence company QinetiQ, was designed to mirror scenarios like those faced by HMS Diamond in the Red Sea, where the destroyer intercepted multiple Houthi drone and missile attacks.

Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard MP observed the exercise, praising the ship’s performance: “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.” He added that the exercise was evidence of the Royal Navy’s ability to adapt to evolving threats and work effectively with industry to stay ahead.

The exercise used QinetiQ’s Banshee Whirlwind aerial drones and Hammerhead uncrewed surface vessels to simulate real-world swarm threats. Data gathered from the engagements will support continued refinement of Royal Navy weapons systems.

Commander Ben Dorrington, Commanding Officer of HMS Dauntless, said: “The realism of the exercise and training delivered provided a unique opportunity for the ship’s company to demonstrate they are ready to defend, ready to fight and ready to win.”

George Allison
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

16 COMMENTS

  1. When the RN run ‘simulated’ attacks like in some of these cases, I wonder, do they allow for a certain percentage of mis-queued/mis-fired missiles and Phalanx misses? Just a thought. I appreciate we’ve moved on from some of the issues I believe we faced with SeaCat and even SeaDart but I dare say there is still the odd malfunction with the target queuing system and/or weapons themselves that any war-gaming might need to make allowances for …. see how the crews react for one, for example.

    • Might have been against surface targets with that elevation, but I can’t see the shell bursting in the footage.

  2. What’s happened to the laser weapon that a big fuss was made about that supposedly could shoot down dozens of incoming at the same time supposedly costing pence to operate. Not another pie in the sky scheme that costs a lot to develope and then disappears. If it works with the rise of drone warfare you would think it would be put into service asap and treated as if we were at war. I have a feeling it’s not as good as the fanfare made out about it.

  3. Who needs secrets when it comes Britain’s military weapons capabilities? Why be shy? Sink or swim, let’s sing what we’ve got from the rooftops old chap’s. Just so long as we spend a small fortune and blow (unalive) something to bits. Then, jobs a good-un! Now let’s all sing- “All we are saying,….Is give Laser’s a chance!🎶” ⚡📡⚡🛰️ 💥 🫡🫵✌️

  4. When war begins switch off all your phones when it’s harder to hit u . Use just phone lines . Possibly 5g and WiFi at home will destroy u . Smart things what u got even a smart meters . U are a target . So remember This.

  5. So many negative comments, did it Dawn to anyone they might know what they are doing. They are after all 1 of the best military forces in the world.

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