HMS Dauntless Joins French Carrier Group for ORION 26 Exercise

The British destroyer HMS Dauntless has successfully integrated with the French Navy during the ongoing military exercise ORION 26, which is centred around the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. This collaboration highlights the strengthening of Franco-British naval cooperation as both nations engage in advanced military operations.

Throughout the exercise, HMS Dauntless has been operating closely with the French Air Defence Frigate Amiral Ronarc’h. The focus has been on refining over-the-horizon targeting capabilities, utilizing Dauntless’s advanced sensors and combat systems in coordination with a Wildcat helicopter from the 815 Naval Air Squadron. The ship’s social media presence emphasized the impressive interoperability showcased during the exercise, stating, “Impressive interoperability in #ORION2026: HMS Dauntless honing over-the-horizon enemy targeting with Wildcat helicopter alongside French FDI Amiral Ronarc’h. Stronger together – Type 45 precision meets next-gen French frigate power!”

The French Navy confirmed the participation of HMS Dauntless within the Charles de Gaulle carrier group, framing it as part of a broader strategy to enhance collaborative efforts among European naval forces. In a notable display of multinational integration, the French fleet tanker Jacques Stosskopf conducted a double underway replenishment at sea. This operation involved supporting both HMS Dauntless and the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate De Ruyter, demonstrating the high level of coordination achievable between the French, British, and Dutch navies.

Aims of Exercise ORION 26

Exercise ORION 26 is part of an extensive programme designed to elevate allied training standards. The initiative aims to bolster interoperability, sustain carrier strike operations, and rehearse complex multi-domain warfare in collaboration with European partners. This exercise serves as a critical opportunity for participating navies to refine their operational capabilities and enhance joint mission effectiveness.

Specifications of HMS Dauntless

HMS Dauntless is the second vessel of the Royal Navy’s six Daring-class guided missile destroyers, primarily tasked with providing area air defence for carrier strike groups. The ship displaces between 8,000 and 8,500 tonnes and measures over 152 metres in length. Central to its operations is the Sea Viper air defence system, which integrates the SAMPSON multi-function radar and S1850M long-range surveillance radar with Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles housed in 48 Sylver vertical launch cells.

Powered by an integrated electric propulsion system utilizing Rolls-Royce WR-21 gas turbines and diesel generators, HMS Dauntless can achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots and has a cruising range of over 7,000 nautical miles. The ship accommodates a crew of approximately 190 personnel, with additional space for embarked staff.

In addition to its primary anti-air capabilities, HMS Dauntless is equipped with a 4.5-inch Mark 8 naval gun, 30mm cannons, Phalanx close-in weapon systems, and heavy machine guns. Future enhancements will see its anti-ship capabilities transition to the Naval Strike Missile, following the retirement of the Harpoon system. The class is also undergoing progressive upgrades, including the Sea Viper Evolution programme to improve ballistic missile defence and the introduction of Sea Ceptor to replace Aster 15 in due course.

As HMS Dauntless and its French counterparts continue to operate in the framework of ORION 26, the exercise stands as a testament to the importance of international cooperation in modern naval operations, ensuring that allied forces remain prepared for a variety of challenges in an evolving security landscape.