Royal Navy destroyer defends western coast of Europe during Atlantic exercise

The Portsmouth-based Type 45 destroyer provided vital air defence during Exercise Sky Shark, a multinational maritime exercise designed to enhance cooperation and strengthen ties between the UK and France.

Sky Shark provided an opportunity for the Royal Navy and the French Navy to demonstrate their shared commitment to maritime security and combined operational capability. 

Commanding Officer of HMS Dauntless, Commander Ben Dorrington, said: “This exercise underscores the vital importance of the UK French partnership. 

“By working together in challenging maritime scenarios, we continue to strengthen our ability to respond effectively to shared challenges.”

The involvement of a Type 45, known for their advanced air defence capabilities, highlighted the UK’s dedication to upholding regional stability alongside its European partner and NATO ally.

Alongside French submarine hunting frigate Aquitaine, Dauntless protected the western coast of Europe from ‘adversary’ naval strikes from Dutch and Spanish warships also taking part in Sky Shark. 

Additionally, HMS Dauntless safeguarded the exercise group against aerial threats posed by the French Navy’s Rafale jets and underwater threats from a French submarine.

HMS Dauntless reached a significant milestone by carrying out a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) with the French naval tanker, FS Somme – the British ship's first RAS in nearly a decade.

The success of Exercise Sky Shark reflects the close collaboration between the UK and France and reaffirms the two nations’ shared vision of a secure and stable Europe.
 
As HMS Dauntless returns to Portsmouth, her participation serves as a testament to the enduring strength of Anglo-French defence cooperation.