Frigate HMS Iron Duke blasted through her weapon systems.
On show were her General Purpose Machine Guns, miniguns, 30mm cannons, 4.5″ gun and the Seawolf missile system in the English Channel.
The Type 23 frigates form the core of the Royal Navy’s fleet and serve alongside the Type 45 destroyers.
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.
Thirteen Type 23 frigates remain in service with the Royal Navy, with three vessels having been sold to Chile and handed over to the Chilean Navy.
Timely. With all the talk of the Type 26 it’s good to point out how the T23 is still very effective, and will be for some years yet, after a fairly recent refit.
I appreciate that she’s in the Channel and limited as to what she can do but to glorify this is ‘firepower’ is somewhat disingenious. These are close in weapons systems that would be useless should she be looking to engage another surface combatant. With the loss of Harpoon and no suitable replacement available this is nothing short of a propaganda piece as the T31 is a paper tiger. They are capable ASW platforms but useless now for any other combat role. A bit like a boxer who can duck and weave but isn’t allowed to throw a jab or a… Read more »
Well, that firepower is about to be replaced.