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Royal Navy Destroyer Downs Drone Swarm in Live-Fire Exercise
In a dramatic display of naval firepower, HMS Dauntless, a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer, successfully shot down hundreds of drones during a live-fire exercise off the coast of Wales. This high-intensity training, dubbed Exercise Sharpshooter, served as the final test before the ship's deployment to the Indo-Pacific as part of the UK's Carrier Strike Group. The exercise mirrored real-world threats faced by the Navy, particularly those encountered in the Red Sea last year.
A Show of Force Against Evolving Threats
The exercise involved a relentless barrage of drone attacks, simulating both aerial and surface threats using QinetiQ's Banshee and Hammerhead drones, alongside virtual targets. HMS Dauntless responded with a powerful arsenal, utilizing its Phalanx close-in weapon system, 4.5-inch and 30mm guns, and even a Wildcat helicopter armed with Martlet missiles. This multifaceted approach showcased the Royal Navy's adaptability and preparedness against increasingly sophisticated drone warfare. The 30mm gun, notably, saw action in similar engagements against Houthi drones in 2024.
Preparing for Indo-Pacific Deployment
The success of Exercise Sharpshooter underscores the Royal Navy's commitment to defending its assets in potentially volatile regions. Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard praised the crew's "speed and skill," emphasizing the exercise's significance in adapting to evolving threats. The upcoming deployment to the Indo-Pacific, a region with known drone activity, necessitates this level of readiness and proficiency. The exercise provided invaluable experience for the crew, pushing them to their limits in a realistic combat simulation, ensuring they are "ready to defend, ready to fight, and ready to win," according to Commander Ben Dorrington, HMS Dauntless's Commanding Officer.
A Collaborative Effort
Exercise Sharpshooter wasn't a solo effort. Over 350 personnel from the Royal Navy and QinetiQ collaborated to create a realistic and challenging training environment. This partnership highlights the importance of joint efforts between the military and industry in developing and refining defense capabilities to counter evolving threats. The data collected during the exercise will further improve the effectiveness of Royal Navy weapons systems and tactics.
The successful completion of Exercise Sharpshooter demonstrates the Royal Navy’s unwavering commitment to maintaining its global presence and protecting British interests in an increasingly complex and challenging world.
