HMS Dauntless is entering a three-month support period with BAE Systems aimed at returning the Type 45 destroyer to full operational capability, marking the latest phase in sustaining the Royal Navy’s principal air-defence warships.
The ship’s official X account said a meeting between HMS Dauntless and BAE Systems signalled the start of the focused maintenance period under the Royal Navy’s Total Availability construct. The work is intended to ensure the destroyer is fully prepared for future frontline tasking following recent operational commitments.
Excellent news: HMS Dauntless & BAE Systems meeting signals start of 3-month support period to return her to full operational capability. The Warship of Choice getting the care she deserves.🚢🔧 @RoyalNavy @BAESystemsplc#RoyalNavy #BAESystems #TotalAvailability pic.twitter.com/guCpaLj7n5
— HMS Dauntless (@HMSDauntless) February 27, 2026
Dauntless is the second of the Royal Navy’s six Daring-class guided missile destroyers, designed primarily to provide area air defence for carrier strike groups. Displacing between 8,000 and 8,500 tonnes and measuring over 152 metres in length, the class is built around the Sea Viper air defence system. This combines the SAMPSON multi-function radar and S1850M long-range surveillance radar with Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles housed in 48 Sylver vertical launch cells.
The ships are powered by an integrated electric propulsion system driven by Rolls-Royce WR-21 gas turbines and diesel generators, delivering speeds in excess of 30 knots and a range of more than 7,000 nautical miles at cruising speed. A complement of around 190 personnel operate the vessel, with accommodation available for additional embarked staff.
Beyond her primary anti-air role, Dauntless carries a 4.5-inch Mark 8 naval gun, 30mm cannons, Phalanx close-in weapon systems and heavy machine guns. Anti-ship capability is set to transition to the Naval Strike Missile following the retirement of Harpoon. The class is also undergoing progressive upgrades, including the Sea Viper Evolution programme, which will enhance ballistic missile defence capability, and the introduction of Sea Ceptor to replace Aster 15 in due course.
A large flight deck and enclosed hangar allow operation of either a Wildcat helicopter armed with Martlet or Sea Venom missiles, or a Merlin helicopter equipped for anti-submarine warfare with torpedoes. Launched at Govan in 2007 and commissioned in 2010, HMS Dauntless deployed with the UK Carrier Strike Group during Operation HIGHMAST in the Indo-Pacific.
