Royal Navy’s HMS Dauntless Engages Drone Threats in Live-Fire Exercise

The Royal Navy’s HMS Dauntless destroyer has carried out a live-fire exercise off the coast of Wales, engaging multiple drone threats in a simulated combat environment.

The operation was conducted in partnership with defense technology company QinetiQ and involved over 350 personnel.

HMS Dauntless was outfitted with a range of onboard weapons systems, including the Phalanx close-in weapon system, a 4.5-inch naval gun, and 30 mm automatic cannons.

During the exercise, the vessel targeted and neutralized Banshee and Hammerhead drones, testing its radar, sensors, and air defense capabilities under realistic operational conditions.

The Banshee Whirlwind, developed by QinetiQ, is a high-speed aerial drone that can exceed 200 miles (322 kilometers) per hour.

The Hammerhead drone, an uncrewed surface vessel, was used to mimic hostile maritime targets.

Supporting the drill, a Wildcat helicopter launched from the ship fired Martlet missiles, capable of striking targets at distances up to 6 kilometers (3.7 miles).

Boosting Readiness

The training was designed to strengthen operational readiness ahead of future deployments.

As part of the military exercise “Sharpshooter,” the test served as the final operational assessment before the ship joins the UK’s next Carrier Strike Group deployment in the Indo-Pacific.

Moreover, the drills simulated high-threat scenarios similar to those the HMS Diamond encountered during recent missions in the Red Sea.

“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,” UK Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard stated.

Increasing Defense Spending

National defense continues to be a cornerstone of the UK government’s agenda, driven by rising global instability and renewed pressure on NATO allies to raise military spending.

Reflecting this shift, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to boost UK defense spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027.