As part of its preparations for deployment to the Indo-Pacific, the British destroyer HMS Dauntless trained to counter drone swarms. The exercises, designated Sharpshooter, were designed to help the crew and the ship refine their capabilities to confront the threats currently observed in the Red Sea and other regions.
According to the Royal Navy, the destroyer HMS Dauntless “…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 live-fire exercises took place off the coast of Wales.
Luke Pollard, the UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces, stated that “…This test (not only) shows how the Royal Navy is adapting to face evolving threats, including from drone attacks in the Red Sea, (but also) 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”.
During the Sharpshooter exercise, HMS Dauntless shot down drones using its Phalanx close-in weapon system, its 4.5-inch and 30mm guns, as well as its embarked AW159 Wildcat helicopter, which is equipped with the capability to launch Martlet lightweight multi-role missiles. These guided munitions can engage targets over 6 kilometers away.
Regarding the “attacking” drones, HMS Dauntless faced QinetiQ’s Banshee Whirlwind, a “…drone capable of flying at over 320 km/h…,” while the Hammerhead “…is an unmanned surface vehicle used to simulate real-world threats….”
The Royal Navy detailed that the Sharpshooter training exercise was designed by instructors from the Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST) team and the company QinetiQ. The goal was to expose and test the ship’s response to persistent real and virtual threats both day and night.
“…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…,” said HMS Dauntless’ commanding officer, Commander Ben Dorrington. The destroyer faced conditions similar to those encountered by HMS Diamond during its deployment in the Red Sea.
According to Royal Navy plans, HMS Dauntless will integrate into the Carrier Strike Group, a formation set to begin its deployment to the Indo-Pacific region in the final months of 2025. “…The multinational deployment, known as the Carrier Strike Group, will demonstrate the UK’s continued commitment to stability and security in the region” the Royal Navy emphasized.
Cover image: Royal Navy – LPhot Kevin Walton
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