HMS Dauntless has wrapped up a high-intensity live-fire training exercise off the Welsh coast, successfully intercepting multiple waves of attack drones in a critical final test before joining the

UK’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) mission to the Indo-Pacific.

Dubbed Exercise Sharpshooter, the five-day drill saw the Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyer engage and neutralise dozens of simulated and live threats from both air and sea. The ship deployed its full arsenal, including the Phalanx close-in weapon system, 30mm and 4.5-inch guns, and Martlet missiles launched from an onboard Wildcat helicopter.

The operation involved more than 350 personnel from the Royal Navy and defence tech firm QinetiQ. It was designed to mimic real-world scenarios, such as recent encounters by HMS Diamond in the Red Sea, where drone and missile attacks by Houthi forces were intercepted mid-air.

Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard MP, who observed the exercise, commended the crew: “The speed and precision with which HMS Dauntless defended against a complex, sustained drone assault was truly impressive.” He said the event showcased the Royal Navy’s growing ability to counter modern threats in collaboration with industry experts.

To simulate realistic swarm attacks, the team used QinetiQ’s Banshee Whirlwind aerial drones and Hammerhead uncrewed surface vessels. Data collected during the engagements will help refine and upgrade Royal Navy weapons systems for future deployments.

Commander Ben Dorrington, the ship’s commanding officer, praised the crew’s performance: “This exercise offered a rare, highly realistic opportunity to prove that HMS Dauntless is ready to defend, ready to fight, and ready to win.” Image: Brian Burnell