Type 45 destroyer

Type 45 destroyer
This image photographed by Brian Burnell with permission was uploaded to Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Type 45 destroyer
Caption	HMS Daring, the lead ship of the class
Builders	BAE Systems Maritime – Naval Ships
Operators	Royal Navy
Class before	Type 42 destroyer
Class after	Type 83 destroyer
In commission	2009–present
Planned	12
Type	Guided missile destroyer
Displacement	8,500 t
Length	152.4 m
Beam	21.2 m
Draught	7.4 m
Propulsion	Integrated Electric Propulsion
Speed	In excess of 30 kn
Range	7,000 nmi
Complement	191
Sensors	SAMPSON, S1850M
Armament	See text
Aircraft carried	1–2 × AW101 Merlin or Lynx Wildcat
Aviation facilities	Large flight deck, enclosed hangar

Type 45 destroyer. The Type 45 destroyer, also known as the Daring or D-class, is a class of six guided-missile destroyers built for the Royal Navy. Designed primarily for anti-air warfare, they are among the most advanced warships of their kind, replacing the older Type 42 destroyer. The ships were constructed by BAE Systems Maritime – Naval Ships and have formed the backbone of the Royal Navy's air defence capability since entering service from 2009.

Development and design

The origins of the Type 45 lie in the cancelled NATO Horizon project, a tri-national program with France and Italy. Following the UK's withdrawal, the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) initiated the Project Horizon national program, which evolved into the Type 45. The design was heavily influenced by the need to counter advanced aerial threats, leading to the selection of the Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS). A key feature is the revolutionary Integrated Electric Propulsion system, which provides exceptional power management and flexibility. The ships' stealthy design reduces their radar cross-section, and their combat system is centered on the sophisticated SAMPSON multi-function radar and the S1850M long-range radar.

Construction and commissioning

Construction of the six vessels was split between BAE Systems Surface Ships in Govan, Glasgow, and VT Group (later BAE Systems) in Portsmouth. The first-of-class, HMS Daring (D32), was ordered in 2000, laid down in 2003, launched in 2006, and commissioned in 2009. The remaining ships—HMS Dauntless (D33), HMS Diamond (D34), HMS Dragon (D35), HMS Defender (D36), and HMS Duncan (D37)—were commissioned between 2010 and 2013. The construction program faced significant delays and cost overruns, and plans for a further six ships were cancelled following the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2010.

Service history

The Type 45s have been deployed globally on a wide range of missions. Early deployments included HMS Daring (D32)'s maiden voyage to the United States and HMS Dauntless (D33)'s deployment to the Falkland Islands. Ships of the class have provided air defence for USS Harry S. Truman and the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in operations. They have been routinely involved in Counter-piracy operations off the Horn of Africa and in the Gulf of Aden. Notably, HMS Defender (D36) was involved in a high-profile incident near the Crimea in 2021 while transiting from Odesa to Batumi. The class has also participated in major exercises like Joint Warrior and Cougar 13.

Capabilities and armament

The primary role of the Type 45 is area air defence, enabled by the Sea Viper missile system, which uses the Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles launched from a 48-cell Sylver A50 vertical launch system. For point defence, they are equipped with a Phalanx CIWS and 30mm DS30M Mark 2 automated cannons. Anti-ship and land-attack capability is provided by Harpoon (missile) launchers, though these are being replaced. The ships carry a Mark 8 Mod 1 4.5-inch gun for naval gunfire support. Their aviation facilities support either a AW101 Merlin or Lynx Wildcat helicopter, critical for Anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare.

Ships in class

{| class="wikitable" |- ! Name !! Pennant !! Builder !! Laid down !! Launched !! Commissioned |- | HMS Daring (D32) || D32 || BAE Systems Surface Ships, Govan || 2003 || 2006 || 2009 |- | HMS Dauntless (D33) || D33 || BAE Systems Surface Ships, Govan || 2004 || 2007 || 2010 |- | HMS Diamond (D34) || D34 || BAE Systems Surface Ships, Govan || 2005 || 2007 || 2011 |- | HMS Dragon (D35) || D35 || BAE Systems Surface Ships, Govan || 2005 || 2008 || 2012 |- | HMS Defender (D36) || D36 || VT Group, Portsmouth || 2006 || 2009 || 2013 |- | HMS Duncan (D37) || D37 || BAE Systems Surface Ships, Govan || 2007 || 2010 || 2013 |}

Future developments

The class has been affected by significant propulsion system reliability issues, leading to the multi-million pound Power Improvement Project to install additional diesel generators. A major mid-life upgrade program, known as the Type 45 Destroyer – Sustainment and Enhancement Programme, is planned to ensure the ships remain effective into the 2030s. This will include the replacement of the Harpoon (missile) with the Naval Strike Missile and potentially the integration of the Sea Ceptor missile system. The Type 45s are slated to be replaced by the new Type 83 destroyer from the late 2030s onwards.

Category:Destroyer classes Category:Ships of the Royal Navy