British warship shoots down drones : Royal Navy’s HMS Dauntless successfully shoots down air and sea drones in a realistic exercise off the Welsh coast, preparing for a major Indo-Pacific deployment amid rising global threats. Learn about the tactics and technology involved.
Summary : A British warship, HMS Dauntless, recently conducted a crucial training exercise, successfully shooting down multiple air and sea drones using live ammunition. This exercise off the Welsh coast tested the Type 45 destroyer’s defences against emerging threats like explosive-laden drone boats. The training comes as the warship prepares for a significant deployment to Asia alongside the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, potentially navigating hostile waters. The drills highlight the Royal Navy’s efforts to adapt to modern warfare challenges.
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Join Telegram channelRoyal Navy Destroyer Engages Drone Threats in Realistic Pre-Deployment Exercise
The sharp command “Action stations!” echoed across the decks of HMS Dauntless as the Royal Navy crew braced for simulated and real attacks. Off the coast of Wales this past Tuesday, the sophisticated Type 45 destroyer became a live-fire testing ground, honing its defences against the rapidly evolving threat of unmanned systems.
This intense training saw the British warship shoot down drones launched from both the air and the sea, demonstrating critical capabilities ahead of a major upcoming deployment.
The exercise wasn’t just theoretical. While many threats were simulated – including swarms of drones, cruise missiles, and hostile jets – the crew also faced real, physical targets. Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and uncrewed surface vessels (USV), designed to mimic enemy attack boats, were engaged with live rounds, adding a stark layer of realism to the training.
Preparing for Real-World Dangers: The Indo-Pacific Deployment
This rigorous preparation is vital as HMS Dauntless is scheduled to sail shortly as a key defence layer for the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales on a deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. This voyage could potentially take the carrier strike group through contested waters, including areas within range of hostile forces like the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have frequently used drone technology in maritime attacks.
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard, observing the exercise aboard Dauntless, emphasized the ship’s readiness. “If anyone were to threaten our carrier, they should be in no doubt that we possess formidable capabilities to defend ourselves, to defend every ship in that task force,” he stated, underscoring the importance of such realistic drills.
The flexibility of naval power, he noted, provides options to support UK national security objectives throughout the deployment, especially amidst escalating global tensions, including those between the US and Iran.
Modern Threats: The Rise of Attack Drones
The exercise specifically targeted the growing menace of drone warfare, particularly explosive-laden drone boats. This threat is no longer hypothetical; Ukraine has effectively utilized similar uncrewed vessels against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, showcasing their potential to damage or disable much larger warships.
Taking Down the Targets: Weapons Systems in Action
During the exercise, observers watched as HMS Dauntless employed its formidable arsenal. A helicopter operating from the destroyer successfully used a missile to neutralize an incoming aerial drone at range. Simultaneously, the ship’s own weapon systems targeted a fast-approaching uncrewed boat simulating an attacker.
Among the weapons unleashed was the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS). This rapid-firing cannon, capable of spewing 3,000 armour-piercing rounds per minute, acts as a last line of defence against missiles and small craft. Onlookers saw the system’s rounds churning the water around the target before the drone boat was effectively neutralized, erupting in flames and smoke. This demonstration proved the British warship’s capability to shoot down drones effectively at close quarters.
Capabilities Amidst Challenges
While the exercise highlighted cutting-edge technology and crew proficiency, it occurs against a backdrop of ongoing debate regarding the size and funding of the UK’s armed forces after decades of defence cuts. The government has pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, adding an extra £5 billion this year.
Minister Pollard defended this level of investment, stating, “We know the world is more dangerous, we know threats towards the UK and our allies are increasing, and that’s why we’re investing in defence.”
The successful execution of this complex, live-fire exercise demonstrates the Royal Navy’s commitment to adapting its tactics and ensuring its personnel and platforms, like HMS Dauntless, are prepared to face the challenging security landscape of the 21st century. The crew, under Commander Ben Dorrington, utilized everything from advanced radar systems to traditional binoculars to detect and ultimately defeat the unmanned threats.
Exercise Key Details
| Feature | Details |
| Warship | HMS Dauntless |
| Type | Type 45 Destroyer |
| Location | Off the Welsh Coast |
| Purpose | Pre-deployment training for Indo-Pacific mission |
| Threats Engaged | Real & Simulated Air Drones (UAS), Sea Drones (USV/Attack Boats), Missiles, Jets |
| Key Weaponry | Helicopter-launched Missiles, Phalanx CIWS, Other Ship Guns |
| Status | Live-fire exercise, successful engagement |
The ability of this British warship to shoot down drones is not just a technical capability; it’s a crucial element in safeguarding multi-billion-pound assets like aircraft carriers and ensuring the safety of hundreds of personnel deployed far from home in potentially hostile environments. This exercise sends a clear message about the Royal Navy’s continued vigilance and evolving defensive power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which British warship was involved in shooting down drones?
HMS Dauntless, a Type 45 destroyer of the Royal Navy, was the warship involved in the exercise where it shot down air and sea drones.
Why is this drone defence training important for the Royal Navy?
This training is crucial because drone technology, especially explosive-laden sea drones, represents a significant and growing threat in modern naval warfare, as seen in conflicts like the Black Sea. HMS Dauntless needs to be prepared to defend itself and the aircraft carrier it will protect during its upcoming deployment to the potentially contested Indo-Pacific region.
What types of drones did the British warship shoot down?
HMS Dauntless engaged both unmanned aerial systems (UAS – air drones) and uncrewed surface vessels (USV – sea drones/attack boats) during the live-fire exercise.
What weapon systems were used to shoot down the drones?
The exercise involved multiple weapon systems. An airborne helicopter used a missile against an aerial drone, while the ship’s guns, including the rapid-fire Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), were used against the surface drone boat.
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