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• HMS Dauntless, shoots down swarms of drones in final test before she deploys as part of the UK’s carrier strike group deployment to the Indo-Pacific this year.
• Exercise Sharpshooter gives ships’ crew most realistic simulation of combat, in a similar scenario to when HMS Diamond shot down Houthi drones and missiles last year.
• More than 350 people involved in five-day training exercise, delivered by Royal Navy specialists and British defence and security company QinetiQ, demonstrating how the Navy is adapting to counter modern threats.

One of the Royal Navy’s most advanced warships shot down swarms of drones in a live-fire exercise off the Welsh coast. Taking on the kind of threats currently seen in the Red Sea and other regions, the Type 45 destroyer showcased her cutting-edge weaponry, radars and sensors. Exercise Sharpshooter was HMS Dauntless’ final test before she departs for the UK’s upcoming Carrier Strike Group deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. The destroyer is the first ship of her class to fend off hundreds of Banshee, Hammerhead and virtual drone attacks as part of a scenario customised to mimic real-world threats.

The exercise was observed first hand by Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, who said:

“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.

“This test shows how the Royal Navy is adapting to face evolving threats, including from drone attacks in the Red Sea, as well as how we are working closely with industry to harness the latest technology to keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad.

“The government remains focussed on delivering National Security for Britain under our Plan for Change, and this is yet another example of that.”

QinetiQ’s Banshee Whirlwind target is an aerial drone capable of flying at over 200mph, while the Hammerhead is an uncrewed surface vehicle which is used to imitate real-world threats.

Being ready at a moment’s notice, Dauntless shot down drones using her Phalanx Automated Gun, 4.5inch and 30mm Guns as well as an embarked Wildcat using Martlet missiles which are able to take out targets up to 6km away.

The training exercise, designed by instructors from the Royal Navy’s Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST) and QinetiQ, saw the ship targeted with persistent real life and virtual threats during the day and overnight.

It gave Dauntless and her ship’s company an insight into what her sister ship, HMS Diamond, faced when she operated in the Red Sea last year and protected commercial shipping routes using cutting-edge technology – including the Royal Navy’s first shooting down of a ballistic missile using its Sea Viper missile.

Commanding Officer of HMS Dauntless, Commander Ben Dorrington, 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.

“As we reach the pinnacle of our comprehensive training package with the conclusion of Exercise Sharpshooter, we look forward to some well-deserved Easter leave before deploying as part of the Carrier Strike Group in the Spring.”

Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and foundation of its Plan for Change. The work of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force is critical to the security and stability of the UK, supporting the delivery of the Government’s five missions. This exercise follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty. 

To increase the complexity of the scenario, a number of static targets were also positioned at sea to replicate different threats. These are equipped with technical equipment which gathers data and enables QinetiQ to understand the effectiveness of the weapons systems being used.

With more than 350 people involved in the exercise, the Royal Navy and industry partners QinetiQ used innovative technology to create bespoke training.

QinetiQ is one of the MOD’s biggest industry partners, with existing contracts supporting more than 1,200 highly skilled jobs at 16 sites across the UK and a supply chain of more than 825 companies in the UK, 590 of which are SMEs.

Will Blamey, Chief Executive, UK Defence, QinetiQ said: “QinetiQ is proud to deliver realistic threat scenarios that support the UK military’s operational readiness ahead of the Carrier Strike Group deployment.”

The Indo-Pacific is critical to the UK economy due to the high quantity of trade with partners and allies in the region. The multinational deployment, known as the Carrier Strike Group, will demonstrate the UK’s continued commitment to stability and security in the region.

ENDS

Call our Press Office on +44 (0) 1252 393500 or email media@qinetiq.com for any enquiries.