HMS Dauntless completes live-fire exercise, ready for Carrier Strike Group deployment
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.”
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