UK Defence Forum

GibMariner wrote:The Times is reporting that HMS Daring has been diverted to the Bab el-Mandeb strait to "to protect a crucial shipping lane from the threat of Iranian-backed missile attacks".

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/brita ... -rvhhldwlw (most of the article is behind a paywall)

shark bait wrote:Please don't confuse the that concept with an auxiliary, perhaps I should have been cleared with my words.

That concept would no longer be an RFA ship, or have any replenishment capabilities at all, it is a pure BMD goal keeper for the carriers, it just happens to use the same base platform in this instance.

The RFA would still exist as it does today, supporting, not protecting.

shark bait wrote:The Falklands war happened, and the Royal Navy learnt the hard way how important proper air defence systems are, so all the T23 we're fitted with their own, making those on the fort class redundant.

Type 45 destroyer HMS Daring has protected merchant vessels and Royal Navy ships sailing through the Bab al-Mandeb strait.

The Portsmouth-based warship has provided reassurance in the region, being equipped to tackle possible air and surface threats with her combination of surveillance radars and Sea Viper missiles.

The advanced air destroyer also escorted the Navy’s Joint Expeditionary Force task group including Devonport-based HMS Bulwark, flagship HMS Ocean, and the MV Eddystone Point.

Around 95 per cent of Britain’s economic activity depends upon the sea and a vast amount of global trade passes through the region. HMS Daring is one of six destroyers, and continues the role her sister ship HMS Defender carried out earlier this year.

“An island nation needs a strong shipping industry and a strong shipping industry needs military support and protection,” said Jonathan Roberts, of the UK Chamber of Shipping.

“The Royal Navy is the best of the best. There is no safer pair of hands in the world and the work they do in protecting UK ships, and the goods and people they carry, is deeply appreciated and respected.”

Daring operates with the Royal Navy’s newest type of helicopter – the Wildcat Mk2 – which extends the ship’s capability beyond the horizon and uses its cutting-edge targeting system and surveillance radar to help reduce the threat of waterborne attack.

The ship will also be operating as part of Combined Task Force 150 and will use its Royal Navy and Royal Marines boarding teams to conduct counter piracy, counter terrorist and counter smuggling operations.

marktigger wrote:http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/nato-wa ... story.html

HMS Duncan