Type 23 Frigate HMS Lancaster and tanker RFA Gold Rover have sailed with the South African Navy submarine SAS Queen Modjadji for a wargaming exercise.
HMS Lancaster is a Duke class Type 23 frigate, originally designed for anti-submarine warfare in the North Atlantic, the Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigates have proven their versatility in warfighting, peace-keeping and maritime security operations around the globe.
The Queen Modjadji is a variant of the Type 209 diesel electric attack submarine developed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft of Germany. She is named after the South African Rain Queen.
The exercise reportedly saw the ship taking part in wargames with the submarine off the coast of Simon’s Town, South Africa. Lancaster’s Wildcat helicopter hunted the submarine before simulating dropping Stingray torpedoes on it.
Lieutenant Tom Johnson, Lancaster’s principle warfare officer, said:
“The training was a fantastic opportunity to hone our anti-submarine warfare skills against a very capable opponent.”
In March this year, HMS Lancaster became the first ship in the Royal Navy to deploy with the navy’s new uniform and potent Wildcat helicopter.
Wildcat helicopter?