{{Short description|2009 Royal Navy destroyer class}} {{For|other ship classes named Daring|Daring-class destroyer (disambiguation){{!}}Daring-class destroyer}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}} {{Infobox ship |section1={{Infobox ship/image |image = HMS Daring-1.jpg |image_caption = HMS ''Daring'' departing Portsmouth Naval Base, 1 March 2010 }}
|section2={{Infobox ship/class overview |name = Type 45 destroyer |builders = BAE Systems Maritime – Naval Ships |operators = {{navy|United Kingdom}} |class_before = Type 42 |class_after = Type 83 |cost = Over £1.050 billion per ship incl. research, development and weapons, £650 million per ship excl. R&D |built_range = 2003–2012 |total_ships_planned = 12 (2000), 8 (2004), 6 (ordered)<ref name=PAC-HC372/>{{#tag:ref|Six hulls were originally ordered, with a planning assumption that a further six would be ordered between 2005 and 2010.<ref name=HC1229/> This planning assumption was later reduced to a further two. In the 2008 defence budget, the Global Combat Ship programme (known then as the FSC) was brought forward at the expense of ships 7 and 8, resulting in the final order being left at six, with options for further ships not being taken up.<ref name=HC850-I/>|group=N}} |total_ships_completed = 6 |total_ships_active = 6 }}
|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics |hide_header = |header_caption = |type = Guided-missile destroyer |displacement = 7,350<ref name="Type 45 Destroyer">{{cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-equipment/ships/destroyers/daring-class|title=Type 45 Destroyer|website=Royal Navy|access-date=26 August 2022|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629091844/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-equipment/ships/destroyers/daring-class|url-status=live}}</ref> to {{convert|8500|t|abbr=off}}<ref name="HMS Daring Royal Navy news"/><ref>{{cite news |title=For Queen and Country |newspaper=Navy News |date=July 2012 |page=8 |publisher=Royal Navy |quote=<!-- One hundred or so miles west of the largest city of Abidjan lies the fishing port of Sassandra, too small to accommodate 8,500-tonnes of Type 45. -->}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=HMS ''Duncan'' joins US Carrier on strike operations against ISIL |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/july/07/150707-duncan-joins-us-carrier-on-operations |newspaper=Navy News |date=7 July 2015 |publisher=Royal Navy |access-date=9 July 2015 |quote=<!-- As well as supporting the international effort against the ISIL fundamentalists – the 8,500-tonne warship has also joined the wider security mission in the region.--> |archive-date=10 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710062525/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/july/07/150707-duncan-joins-us-carrier-on-operations |url-status=live }}</ref> |length = {{convert|152.4|m|ft|abbr=on}} |beam = {{convert|21.2|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |draught = {{convert|7.4|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |draft = |power = *2 × Rolls-Royce WR-21 gas turbines, {{convert|21.5|MW|shp|abbr=on|lk=on}} each, and: *2 × Wärtsilä 12V200 diesel generators, {{convert|2|MW|shp|abbr=on}} each,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wartsila.com/fi/references/HMS-Daring |title=HMS ''Daring'' |publisher=Wärtsilä |access-date=1 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028213846/http://www.wartsila.com/fi/references/HMS-Daring |archive-date=28 October 2014}}</ref> or: *3 × MTU 4000 series diesel generators, {{convert|3|MW|shp|abbr=on}} each |propulsion = *2 shafts integrated electric propulsion with *2 × GE Power Conversion Advanced Induction Motors and VDM25000 Drives, {{convert|20|MW|shp|abbr=on}} each |speed = In excess of {{convert|32|kn|abbr=on|lk=in}}<ref name="Type 45 Facts by Royal Navy">{{cite web |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/183216219/HMS-Daring-Type-45-facts-by-Royal-Navy-pdf |title=HMS ''Daring'' - Type 45 facts |work=Royal Navy |access-date=22 July 2016 |via=Scribd.com |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308213749/https://www.scribd.com/doc/183216219/HMS-Daring-Type-45-facts-by-Royal-Navy-pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> |range = In excess of {{convert|7000|nmi|lk=in|-3}} at {{convert|18|kn|abbr=on|lk=in}}<ref name="Type 45 Facts by Royal Navy"/> |complement = 191<ref name=yearbook2013>{{cite book |url=http://www.newsdeskmedia.com/files/Global-Force-2013.pdf |chapter=Royal Navy Fleet Guide |page=2 |title=A Global Force 2012/13 |date=24 April 2013 |editor-last1=Aquilina |editor-first1=Pauline J. |editor-last2=Michell |editor-first2=Simon |publisher=Newsdesk Media |isbn=978-1-906940-75-1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141203054140/http://www.newsdeskmedia.com/Images/Upload/PDFs/Global-Force-2013.pdf |archive-date=3 December 2014}}</ref> (accommodation for up to 285) |sensors = * SAMPSON multi-function air tracking radar (Type 1045) * S1850M 3-D air surveillance radar (Type 1046) * Raytheon Integrated Bridge and Navigation System * 2 × Raytheon AHRS INS (MINS 2) * 2 × Raytheon I-band Radar (Type 1047) * 1 × Raytheon E/F-band Radar (Type 1048)<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.raytheon.co.uk/news_room/news/press_release_08032006.pdf |title=Raytheon Systems Ltd awarded further contract for Integrated Navigation System shipsets for the Type 45 |date=8 March 2006 |publisher=Raytheon |access-date=31 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313123057/http://www.raytheon.co.uk/newsroom/news/press_release_08032006.pdf |archive-date=13 March 2012}}</ref> * Ultra Electronics Series 2500 Electro-Optical Gun Control System (EOGCS)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Electro-Optic-Systems/Ultra-Electronics-Series-2500-electro-optic-tracking-and-fire-control-system-United-Kingdom.html |title=Ultra Electronics Series 2500 electro-optic tracking and fire-control system (United Kingdom) |date=28 October 2010 |website=Jane's Electro-Optic Systems |access-date=21 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503102501/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Electro-Optic-Systems/Ultra-Electronics-Series-2500-electro-optic-tracking-and-fire-control-system-United-Kingdom.html |archive-date=3 May 2012}}</ref> * Ultra Electronics SML Technologies radar tracking system * Ultra Electronics/EDO MFS-7000 sonar |EW = * UAT Mod 2.0 (2.1 planned)<ref name="Desider201209">{{cite news |url=http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/3624A3FC-1A13-42AE-B5C6-CF8F730807C3/0/desider_52_Sept2012InternetU.pdf |title=Fleet to get the latest in electronic surveillance |date=September 2012 |page=18 |newspaper=DESider |publisher=Ministry of Defence |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905172853/http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/3624A3FC-1A13-42AE-B5C6-CF8F730807C3/0/desider_52_Sept2012InternetU.pdf |archive-date=5 September 2012}}</ref> * AN/SSQ-130 Ship Signal Exploitation Equipment (SSEE) Increment F cryptologic exploitation system<ref name="Janes" >{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/40127/uk-to-buy-shaman-cesm-for-seaseeker-sigint-programme |title=UK to buy Shaman CESM for Seaseeker SIGINT programme |first=Richard |last=Scott |date=29 June 2014 |website=IHS Jane's 360 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707005214/http://www.janes.com/article/40127/uk-to-buy-shaman-cesm-for-seaseeker-sigint-programme |archive-date=7 July 2014}}</ref> * Seagnat (to be replaced by SEA Ancilia decoy launcher system under contract awarded in 2024)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navy-to-equip-19-ships-with-trainable-decoy-launchers/ |title=Royal Navy to equip 19 ships with trainable decoy launchers |work= Navy Lookout |date=29 April 2024 |access-date=1 May 2024}}</ref> * Naval Decoy IDS300 * Surface Ship Torpedo Defence |armament = * ''Anti-air missiles'': ** PAAMS air-defence system ** 48 × Sylver vertical launching system A50 for: *** Aster 15 missiles (range 1.7–30 km) *** Aster 30 missiles (range 3–120 km), to be upgraded with a ballistic missile defence capability,<ref>{{cite news |title=Type 45 Ballistic Missile Defence upgrade to support more than 100 UK jobs |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/type-45-ballistic-missile-defence-upgrade-to-support-more-than-100-uk-jobs |access-date=24 November 2022 |publisher=UK Government |date=24 May 2022}}</ref> called Sea Viper Evolution.<ref>{{cite news |date=2 June 2023 |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2023/june/02/20230602-hms-defender-destroys-drone-in-exercise-which-paves-the-way-for-future-of-air-defence |title=HMS Defender destroys drone in exercise which paves the way for future of air defence at sea |work=royalnavy.mod.uk |access-date=4 June 2023}}</ref> ** 24 × Sea Ceptor silos to be fitted starting on HMS ''Defender'' from 2026 for: *** 24 × surface-to-air missiles that will replace the Aster 15 missiles to allow all 48 × Sylver vertical launching systems to be used for Aster 30].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.navylookout.com/snapshot-the-royal-navy-escort-fleet-in-april-2024/ | title=Snapshot: The Royal Navy escort fleet in April 2024 |work=Navy Lookout | date=20 April 2024 |access-date=21 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=£500m firepower upgrade for Type 45 destroyers|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/500m-firepower-upgrade-for-type-45-destroyers|access-date=24 November 2022|website=GOV.UK|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyers – reaching their full potential with addition of Sea Ceptor missiles |url=https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navys-type-45-destroyers-reaching-their-full-potential-with-addition-of-sea-ceptor-missiles/|access-date=24 November 2022|website=Navy Lookout|date=6 July 2021}}</ref> * ''Anti-ship missiles'': ** Harpoon Block 1C SSMs, originally fit (retired 2023);<ref>{{cite web |date=19 December 2023 |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/first-nsm-fit-on-rn-type-23-frigate |title=First NSM fit on RN Type 23 frigate |website=Janes |last=Scott |first=Richard |access-date=23 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=August 26, 2021 |url=https://www.navylookout.com/contenders-for-the-royal-navys-interim-anti-ship-missile-requirement/ |title=Contenders for the Royal Navy's interim anti-ship missile requirement |website=navylookout.com |access-date=February 20, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1636756705089409024 |title= @HMSDuncan sails from Portsmouth this afternoon. Has been re-equipped with Harpoon missiles - the first Type 45 to carry SSM for several years. |number=1636756705089409024 |user=NavyLookout |date=17 March 2023 |access-date=18 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navylookout.com/can-the-uk-supply-anti-ship-missiles-to-ukraine/|title= Can the UK supply anti-ship missiles to Ukraine? |date= 10 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Scott |first=Richard |date=February 16, 2022 |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/uk-confirms-cancellation-of-i-ssgw-programme |title=UK confirms cancellation of I-SSGW programme |work=Janes Information Services |access-date=February 20, 2022}}</ref> to be replaced with Naval Strike Missile in due course<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.navylookout.com/snapshot-the-royal-navy-escort-fleet-in-april-2024/ | title=Snapshot: The Royal Navy escort fleet in April 2024 |work=Navy Lookout | date=20 April 2024 |access-date=21 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=23 November 2022 |url=https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navy-to-buy-the-naval-strike-missile/ |title=Royal Navy to buy the Naval Strike Missile |work=Navy Lookout |access-date=25 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=23 November 2022 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-navy-ships-to-be-fitted-with-advanced-new-missile-system |title=Royal Navy ships to be fitted with advanced new missile system |work=gov.uk |access-date=25 November 2022}}</ref> * ''Guns'': ** 1 × 4.5-inch Mark 8 naval gun ** 2 × DS30B Mk 1 30 mm guns<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/the-all-rounder-the-30mm-automated-small-calibre-gun-in-focus/ |title=The all-rounder – the 30mm Automated Small Calibre Gun in focus |work= Navy Lookout|date=13 January 2021 |access-date=29 March 2023}}</ref> ** 2 × 20 mm Phalanx CIWS ** 2 × 7.62 mm Miniguns (replaced by Browning .50 caliber heavy machine guns as of 2023)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/in-focus-the-50-cal-heavy-machine-gun-in-royal-navy-service/ |title=In focus: the 50 cal heavy machine gun in Royal Navy service |publisher=Navy Lookout |date=5 May 2023 |access-date=5 May 2023}}</ref> ** 6 × 7.62 mm general purpose machine guns * Planned anti-drone CIWS: ** [2 x DragonFire laser-based directed energy weapon (DEW): to be fit to at least two ships of the class starting in 2027]<ref>{{cite news |title=UK Contracts for DragonFire Naval Laser Capability to Help Build Cost-effective Ship-based Defence |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/11/uk-contracts-for-dragonfire-naval-laser-capability-to-help-build-cost-effective-ship-based-defence/ |access-date=21 November 2025 |publisher=Naval News |date=21 November 2025 |last=Willet |first=Lee }}</ref> |armour = Kevlar splinter protection, 70{{nbsp}}mm magazine/VLS |aircraft = * 1 or 2 × Wildcat HMA2, armed with: ** 4 × Sea Venom anti-ship missiles (initial operating capability from October 2025;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navylookout.com/initial-operating-capability-declared-for-royal-navy-sea-venom-anti-ship-missile/|title=Initial Operating Capability declared for Royal Navy Sea Venom anti-ship missile |website= Navy Lookout |date=2 October 2025 |access-date=2 October 2025}}</ref> full operating capability projected from 2026),<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navys-sea-venom-light-anti-ship-missile-full-operating-capability-delayed-until-2026/|title=Royal Navy's Sea Venom light anti-ship missile full operating capability delayed until 2026|website=Navy Lookout|date=21 June 2023|access-date=24 June 2023|archive-date=22 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622102628/https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navys-sea-venom-light-anti-ship-missile-full-operating-capability-delayed-until-2026/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''or'' ** 2 × Sting Ray anti-submarine torpedoes, ''or'' ** 20 × Martlet multirole missiles (from 2021) ** Mk 11 depth charges * ''or'' * 1 × Merlin HM2,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.2227 |title=Air Defence Destroyer (T45) |website=Royal Navy |access-date=20 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071031074413/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.2227 |archive-date=31 October 2007}}</ref> armed with: ** 4 × Sting Ray anti submarine torpedoes |aircraft_facilities = * Chinook capable flight deck * Enclosed hangar |notes = }} }}
The '''Type 45 destroyer''', also known as the '''D''' or '''''Daring'' class''', is a class of six guided-missile destroyers built for the United Kingdom's Royal Navy in the early 21st century. The class is primarily designed for anti-aircraft and anti-missile warfare and is built around the PAAMS (Sea Viper) air-defence system using the SAMPSON Active electronically scanned array (AESA) and the S1850M long-range radars. The first three destroyers were assembled by BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions from partially prefabricated "blocks" built at different shipyards; the remaining three were built by BAE Systems Maritime – Naval Ships. The first ship in the ''Daring'' class, HMS ''Daring'', was launched on 1 February 2006 and commissioned on 23 July 2009.<ref name=BBC09>{{cite web |url=http://www.defpro.com/news/details/8784/ |title=UK Royal Navy Commissions Type 45 Destroyer HMS ''Daring'' |date=24 July 2009 |website=Defence Professionals |access-date=25 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726081343/http://www.defpro.com/news/details/8784/ |archive-date=26 July 2009}}</ref>
The Type 45 destroyers were built to replace the Type 42 (''Sheffield''-class) destroyers that had served during the Falklands War, with the last Type 42 being decommissioned in 2013. The National Audit Office reported that, during an "intensive attack", a single Type 45 could simultaneously track, engage and destroy more targets than five Type 42 destroyers operating together.<ref name=NAO>{{cite web |url=http://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/0809295.pdf |title=Providing Anti Air Warfare Capability: the Type 45 destroyer |date=13 March 2009 |website=National Audit Office |page=12 |access-date=8 March 2014 |quote=<!--In an intensive attack, a Type 45 destroyer would be able to simultaneously track, engage and destroy more targets than the remaining Type 42 destroyers operating together.--> |archive-date=12 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012122525/https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/0809295.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> After the launch of ''Daring'' on 1 February 2006, Admiral Sir Alan West, then First Sea Lord, stated that it would be the Royal Navy's most capable destroyer ever, as well as the world's best air-defence ship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gnn.gov.uk/content/detail.asp?NewsAreaID=2&ReleaseID=186251 |title=Countess of Wessex Launches Royal Navy's New Warship |first=Alexander |last=Nicoll |date=1 February 2006 |website=Government News Network |access-date=17 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927192412/http://www.gnn.gov.uk/content/detail.asp?NewsAreaID=2&ReleaseID=186251 |archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref> The reduction in the number to be procured from twelve, then to (up to) eight, finally with only six confirmed (in 2008) was controversial.<ref name="shippingtimes1">{{cite web |url=http://www.shippingtimes.co.uk/item_10092.html |title=Six of the best but scrap the rest |date=20 June 2008 |website=Shipping Times |access-date=16 November 2009 |archive-date=25 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525145258/http://www.shippingtimes.co.uk/item_10092.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="autogenerated6">See statement by the then First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Alan West, Jane's Defence Weekly 25 June 2008, p.6 reproduced from an interview in February 2006.</ref>
In 2016, it was revealed that due to a design flaw on the Northrop Grumman intercooler attached to the Rolls-Royce WR-21 gas turbines, power availability was diminished considerably when functioning in the warm climate of the Persian Gulf,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/naval/ships/2016/03/23/destroyer-royal-navy-uk-power-plant/82167048/ |title=Fix to UK Destroyer Power Plant Problem Some Way Off |last=Chuter |first=Andrew |date=23 March 2016 |website=Defence News |access-date=17 October 2016}}</ref><ref name="45PPiP">{{cite web |url=http://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/putting-the-type-45-propulsion-problems-in-perspective/ |title=Putting the Type 45 propulsion problems in perspective |date=3 February 2016 |website=Save The Royal Navy |access-date=17 October 2016 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112020827/https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/putting-the-type-45-propulsion-problems-in-perspective/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and it quickly became apparent that the class was not operating as originally envisioned.<ref name="auto"/> Therefore, a planned refit was scheduled from 2019 to 2021 to fully resolve the problems with the six ships in the class.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/final-cure-for-type-45-destroyer-propulsion-problems-announced/ |title=Final cure for Type 45 destroyer propulsion problems announced |date=21 March 2018 |website=Save The Royal Navy |access-date=8 April 2019 |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204123154/https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/final-cure-for-type-45-destroyer-propulsion-problems-announced/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Under current plans, the Type 45 destroyer will be replaced by the Type 83 destroyer, the first of which is expected to enter service in the late 2030s.<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 2021|title=Defence in a competitive age|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/971859/_CP_411__-_Defence_in_a_competitive_age.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322183107/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/971859/_CP_411__-_Defence_in_a_competitive_age.pdf|archive-date=2021-03-22|access-date=2021-03-24|publisher=Ministry of Defence}}</ref>
==Development== {{Main|NFR-90|Horizon-class frigate}}
The UK had sought to procure a new class of air-defence guided-missile destroyers in collaboration with seven other NATO nations under the NFR-90 project; the project collapsed due to varying requirements of the different countries involved. The UK then joined France and Italy in the {{sclass2|Horizon|frigate|1}} programme; however, differing national requirements, workshare arguments and delays led to the UK withdrawing on 26 April 1999 and starting its own national project.<ref>{{cite news |title=National differences scupper frigate project |first=Alexander |last=Nicoll |newspaper=Financial Times |date=27 April 1999}}</ref> On 23 November 1999, Marconi Electronic Systems (MES), the defence arm of General Electric and in the process of merger with British Aerospace (BAe) since January, was confirmed as the prime contractor for the Type 45 project.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jobs boost for shipyard; Yarrow confirmed as main contractor for MoD's Type 45 destroyer programme |first=Keith |last=Sinclair |newspaper=The Herald |publisher=Scottish Media Newspapers |page=13 |date=24 November 1999}}</ref> Seven days later, MES and BAe completed the merger forming BAE Systems (BAE), making the latter the prime contractor.
The Type 45 project has been criticised for rising costs and delays, with the six ships costing £6.46 billion, an increase of £1.5 billion (29%) on the original budget.<ref name=PAC-HC372/> The first ship entered service in 2010,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.2227 |title=Air Defence Destroyer (Type 45) |website=Royal Navy |access-date=14 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080813235419/http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.2227 |archive-date=13 August 2008}}</ref> rather than 2007 as initially planned. In 2007, the Defence Select Committee expressed disappointment that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and BAE had failed to control rising costs.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/engineering/article3267633.ece |title=Taxpayers face £500m bill for BAE projects |first=David |last=Robertson |date=29 January 2008 |newspaper=The Times |location=London, UK |access-date=31 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012154302/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/engineering/article3267633.ece |archive-date=12 October 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1562768/MPs-accuse-MoD-of-2.6bn-overspend.html |title=MPs accuse MoD of £2.6bn overspend |first=Graeme |last=Wilson |date=9 December 2007 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London, UK |access-date=31 January 2008 |archive-date=26 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626121423/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1562768/MPs-accuse-MoD-of-2.6bn-overspend.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Construction=== The Type 45 destroyers take advantage of Horizon development work and use the Sea Viper air-defence system and the SAMPSON radar. The ships were built by BAE Systems Maritime – Naval Ships, which subsequently became BVT Surface Fleet with the merger of the surface shipbuilding arms of BAE Systems and VT Group. These two companies had previously built the ships in collaboration. BAE's two Glasgow shipyards and single Portsmouth shipyard were responsible for different "blocks". BAE's Govan yard built Block A (stern to the edge of the helicopter hangar). The Scotstoun yard built Blocks B/C (a 2600-tonne section that contains the Rolls-Royce WR-21 gas turbines, starting with the helicopter hangar to the bridge section) and Block D (the bridge section itself). BAE's Portsmouth shipyard was responsible for Blocks E/F (bridge to the bow), funnels, and masts. For ships two to six, blocks A–D were assembled in the Ships Block and Outfit Hall of the Govan shipyard and taken fully outfitted to the Scotstoun berth. The masts and funnels were also fitted before launch. [[File:HMS Dauntless D33.jpg|thumb|left|Construction of blocks of ''Dauntless'' at Portsmouth]] For the first-of-class, Block A was assembled at Govan and moved to Scotstoun, where it was mated to Block B/C, which was already fitted with the WR-21 turbines and machinery. Block D, also assembled at Scotstoun, was fitted to these three blocks. The bow sections (E/F) were mated at HMNB Portsmouth and taken by barge to Scotstoun. These were the final blocks to be attached. At this point, the hull was launched into the Clyde and towed to the Scotstoun Dry Dock, where the masts and funnels were fitted (the masts were partially outfitted with equipment. For example, the mast for the S1850M radar is sent from Portsmouth to Thales Nederland to be fitted with radar equipment). Once this was complete, the remaining equipment was fitted: radar arrays, bow-mounted sonar, propellers, missile equipment, and the 4.5-inch gun.{{Citation needed|date=March 2026}}
This modular construction arrangement was agreed upon in February 2002. However, when the original contract for three ships was signed in July 2000, BAE Systems Marine was to build the first and third ships, and VT Group was to build the second.{{Citation needed|date=March 2026}}
By the end of 2010, all six Type 45 destroyers had been launched, with the first two in commission and the remainder fitting out. By 2012, all destroyers were structurally complete and the production lines had been closed. {{HMS|Duncan|D37|2}}, the last of the Type 45 destroyers, was commissioned at Portsmouth Naval Base on 26 September 2013 and entered service in 2014 after trials and training.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-24273828 |title=Type 45 destroyer HMS ''Duncan'' 'christened' at Portsmouth Naval Base |date=26 September 2013 |website=BBC News |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-date=26 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626130305/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-24273828 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The ''Daring'' class are the largest escorts ever built for the Royal Navy in terms of displacement.{{#tag:ref|Largest in terms of displacement; however, the 6,200-ton {{sclass2|County|destroyer|2}}s were some {{convert|6|m|ft}} longer, and the 6,300-ton Type 82 destroyer was {{convert|2|m|ft}} longer.|group=N}}
In 2009, delivery of the ships' Aster missiles was delayed due to a manufacturing fault with a single batch of missiles identified during testing.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/newshome/Royal-Navy-destroyers-at-sea.5889279.jp |title=Royal Navy destroyers at sea with faulty weapons systems |date=7 December 2009 |newspaper=The News |location=Portsmouth |access-date=6 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325231852/http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/newshome/Royal-Navy-destroyers-at-sea.5889279.jp |archive-date=25 March 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mbda-systems.com/press-releases/mbda-completes-four-successful-aster-missile-firings-in-less-than-a-month/ |title=MBDA completes four successful ASTER missile firings in less than a month |date=28 June 2010 |website=MBDA Systems |access-date=9 June 2016 |archive-date=28 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628183723/https://www.mbda-systems.com/press-releases/mbda-completes-four-successful-aster-missile-firings-in-less-than-a-month/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Characteristics==
===General specifications=== The Type 45 destroyers are {{convert|152.4|m|ftin|abbr=on}} in length, with a beam of {{convert|21.2|m|ftin|abbr=on}}, a draught of {{convert|7.4|m|ftin|abbr=on}} and a displacement of approximately {{convert|7350|t|LT|lk=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Daring Class {{!}} Royal Navy |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-equipment/ships/destroyers/daring-class |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=www.royalnavy.mod.uk |language=en |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629091844/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-equipment/ships/destroyers/daring-class |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="HMS Daring Royal Navy news">{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/October/11/131011-HMS-Daring-leaves-Sydney |title=HMS Daring leaves Sydney after spectacular week of celebrations |date=11 October 2013 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=13 October 2013 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016102314/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/October/11/131011-HMS-Daring-leaves-Sydney |url-status=live }}</ref> This makes them significantly larger than the Type 42 they replaced (displacement {{convert|5200|t|disp=comma}}). The Type 45 destroyers are the first British warships built to meet the Lloyd's Register's Naval Ship Rules for hull structure requiring design approval by Lloyd's Register for the principal structural arrangements of the vessel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://navy-matters.beedall.com/daring1-2.htm |title=Type 45 ("D" Class) Destroyer Daring Class: Part 2 |last=Beedall |first=Richard |date=18 May 2011 |website=Navy Matters |access-date=3 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205013252/http://navy-matters.beedall.com/daring1-2.htm |archive-date=5 December 2013}}</ref> BAE Systems is the Design Authority for the Type 45, a role traditionally held by the Ministry of Defence.<ref>P. J. Gates, Royal Institution of Naval Architects, 2005, p.35.</ref> The design of the Type 45 brings new levels of radar signature reduction to the Royal Navy. Deck equipment and life rafts are concealed behind the ship's superstructure panels, producing a "clean" superstructure. The mast is also sparingly equipped externally. Speculation by the press suggests that this design gives the ship the radar cross-section of a small fishing boat.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1560368/HMS-Daring-eases-through-first-sea-trials.html |title=HMS ''Daring'' eases through first sea trials |last=Harding |first=Thomas |date=15 August 2007 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=9 April 2019 |archive-date=27 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627035235/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1560368/HMS-Daring-eases-through-first-sea-trials.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
The ''Daring'' class is notable for being the first Royal Navy vessels to include gender-neutral living spaces to accommodate male and female crew members; communal shower and heads facilities have given way to individual cubicles, and six-person berths for junior ratings are far more flexible in accommodating a mixture of male and female sailors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baesystems.com/daring/week2.asp |title=The Comfort of the Crew |website=BAE Systems |access-date=20 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013015454/http://baesystems.com/daring/week2.asp |archive-date=13 October 2007}}</ref> Men and women will continue to sleep in separate spaces, in common with most other navies.
===Propulsion and power=== {{Further|Integrated electric propulsion}}
The Type 45 is fitted with an advanced and innovative integrated electric propulsion system. Integrated electric propulsion seeks to supply all propulsion and the ship's electrical load using alternating current at a high quality of voltage and frequency.{{#tag:ref|High quality indicates that the frequency and voltage are stable, with an absence of spikes, even under changes in power demand.|group=N}} This is achieved by computerised control, high-quality transformation, and electrical filtering. Two Rolls-Royce WR-21 gas turbines drive GE alternators, and along with two Wärtsilä 12V200 diesel generators, provide electrical power at 4,160 volts to a GE high voltage system. The high voltage supply is then used to power two GE Power Conversion advanced induction motors with outputs of {{convert|20|MW|hp|abbr=on}} each. Ship's services, including hotel load and weapons system power supplies, are supplied via transformers from the high voltage supply at 440 V and 115 V.<ref name=RN_factfile>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/upload/pdf/08_489_HMS_daring_VIP_low_20090122125408.pdf |title=Type 45 – The Anti-Air Warfare Destroyer |website=Royal Navy |access-date=8 June 2010 |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20090418161602/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/upload/pdf/08_489_HMS_daring_VIP_low_20090122125408.pdf |archive-date=18 April 2009}}</ref> The benefits of integrated electric propulsion are cited as: thumb|{{HMS|Defender|D36|6}} in 2012 *Placing the electric motors closer to the propeller, shortening the shaft line and removing the need for a gearbox or controllable pitch propellers, and reducing exposure to action damage.<ref name=RN_factfile/> *Ability to arrange machinery in more convenient locations away from the shaft line, reducing space lost to funnels, and improving access for maintenance.<ref name=Chitale>{{cite journal |last1=Chitale |first1=Captain S. S. |year=2010 |title=Integrated Full Electric Propulsion |journal=IE(I) Journal |publisher=Institution of Engineers (India) |volume=90 |pages=18–22 |url=https://www.ieindia.org/pdf/90/90MR203.pdf}}{{dead link |date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> * Flexibility in running propulsion and ship services from any combination of prime movers, reducing engine running hours and emissions.<ref name=RN_factfile/> *Ability to distribute prime mover power between services and propulsion can accommodate future increases in service and weapon loads with minimal impact on ship speed or prime movers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-18 |title=Type 45 Destroyer - Daring Class World's First Full Electric Propulsion Combatant Ship |url=https://www.gepowerconversion.com/case-study/type-45-destroyer-daring-class-worlds-first-full-electric-propulsion-combatant-ship |access-date=2023-02-10 |website=GE Power Conversion |language=en |archive-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210190858/https://www.gepowerconversion.com/case-study/type-45-destroyer-daring-class-worlds-first-full-electric-propulsion-combatant-ship |url-status=live }}</ref>
The key to the efficient use of a single prime mover is the choice of a gas turbine that provides efficiency over a large load range; the WR-21 gas turbine incorporates compressor intercooling and exhaust heat recovery, making it significantly more efficient than previous marine gas turbines, especially at low and medium load. The combination of greater efficiency and high fuel capacity gives an endurance of {{convert|7000|nmi|km}} at {{convert|18|kn|km/h}}.<ref name=RN_factfile/> High power density and the hydrodynamic efficiency of a longer hull form allow high speeds to be sustained. It has been reported that ''Daring'' reached her design speed of {{convert|29|kn|km/h|0}} in 70 seconds and achieved a speed of {{convert|31.5|kn|km/h|0}} in 120 seconds during sea trials in August 2007.<ref name="seatrials">{{cite news |url=http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.1617705.0.0.php |title=''Daring'' is mean, green and built for speed |first=Alan |last=MacDermid |date=15 August 2007 |newspaper=The Herald |access-date=15 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203151133/http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.1617705.0.0.php |archive-date=3 February 2009}}</ref>
====Faults==== In January 2016, the Ministry of Defence acknowledged that the propulsion system was (prior to upgrade) unreliable, with the BBC reporting that "total electric failures are common".<ref>{{Cite news|date=2016-01-29|title=Type 45 destroyers: UK's £1bn warships face engine refit|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35432341|access-date=2021-04-06|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627043153/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35432341|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Rolls Royce WR-21 gas turbine itself is of a sound design: however, the Northrop Grumman intercooler unit "has a major design flaw" and causes the WR-21s to fail occasionally. When this happens, the electrical load on the diesel generators can become too great, and they 'trip out', leaving the ship with no source of power or propulsion.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Putting the Type 45 propulsion problems in perspective|url=https://www.navylookout.com/putting-the-type-45-propulsion-problems-in-perspective/|access-date=2021-04-06|website=www.navylookout.com|date=3 February 2016|archive-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307112927/https://www.navylookout.com/putting-the-type-45-propulsion-problems-in-perspective/|url-status=live}}</ref> The First Sea Lord, Admiral Philip Jones, clarified that the "WR-21 gas turbines were designed in extreme hot weather conditions to what we call 'gracefully degrade' in their performance, until you get to the point where it goes beyond the temperature at which they would operate... we found that the resilience of the diesel generators and the WR-21 in the ship at the moment was not degrading gracefully; it was degrading catastrophically, so that is what we have had to address".<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/defence-committee/naval-procurement-type-26-and-type-45/oral/35261.html |title=Oral evidence: Naval Procurement: Type 26 and Type 45 HC 221 |date=21 July 2016 |website=UK House of Commons Defence Select Committee |access-date=21 July 2016 |archive-date=13 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513132314/http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/defence-committee/naval-procurement-type-26-and-type-45/oral/35261.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
While the Ministry of Defence does not release detailed information related to the number of problems experienced by the class, including total engine failure, several such occasions have been reported in the media. ''Daring'' broke down in November 2010 and April 2012, ''Dauntless'' in February 2014 and ''Duncan'' in November 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://forces.tv/78957393 |title=5,000 Faults Recorded on Type 45 Destroyers |last1=Inglis |first1=Will |date=10 February 2016 |website=Forces TV |access-date=6 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302033608/http://forces.tv/78957393 |archive-date=2 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/11/24/daring_breaks_down/ |title=Unarmed Royal Navy T45 destroyer breaks down mid-Atlantic |first=Lewis |last=Page |date=24 November 2010 |website=The Register |access-date=6 December 2016 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810171343/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/11/24/daring_breaks_down/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/defence/secret-repairs-for-hms-daring-after-she-suffers-breakdown-1-3744135 |title=Secret repairs for HMS Daring after she suffers breakdown |first=Michael |last=Powell |date=18 April 2012 |newspaper=The News |access-date=6 December 2016 |archive-date=29 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629105710/https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/defence/secret-repairs-for-hms-daring-after-she-suffers-breakdown-1-3744135 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/10656958/1bn-HMS-Dauntless-abandons-training-exercise-after-power-trouble.html |title=£1bn HMS Dauntless abandons training exercise after technical trouble |first=Ben |last=Farmer |date=24 February 2014 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=6 December 2016 |archive-date=27 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627043302/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/10656958/1bn-HMS-Dauntless-abandons-training-exercise-after-power-trouble.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/24/royal-navy-type-45-destroyer-towed-back-port-two-days-sailed/ |title=Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer towed back to port two days after it sails |date=24 November 2016 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=6 December 2016 |archive-date=27 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627043300/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/24/royal-navy-type-45-destroyer-towed-back-port-two-days-sailed/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2017, ''The Register'' reported that a Type 45 destroyer had been recalled to Britain with propeller problems, leaving the Royal Navy's traditional "east of Suez" deployment without proper warship cover. It was stated that "HMS Diamond is on her way back to the UK after a propeller problem proved too much for the ship's crew to repair on their own."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/11/23/hms_diamond_withdrawn_middle_east/ |title=Royal Navy destroyer leaves Middle East due to propeller problems |last1=Corfield |first1=Gareth |date=23 November 2017 |website=The Register |access-date=25 November 2017 |archive-date=4 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504082111/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/11/23/hms_diamond_withdrawn_middle_east/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 21 March 2018, the MoD announced the award of the £160 million "Power Improvement Project" (PIP) contract to BAE Systems, BMT Defence Services, and Cammell Laird to remove the two current diesel generators and install three larger diesel generators at the latter's shipyard in Birkenhead.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Multi-million-pound contract to enhance Royal Navy Type 45 fleet resilience|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/multi-million-pound-contract-to-enhance-royal-navy-type-45-fleet-resilience|access-date=2021-04-06|website=GOV.UK|language=en|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627041758/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/multi-million-pound-contract-to-enhance-royal-navy-type-45-fleet-resilience|url-status=live}}</ref> Replacement or rectification of the WR-21s was not a practical option.<ref name=":0" /> With the new diesel generators, the Type 45 needs to rely on the WR-21s only for higher-speed running and always with graceful degradation to cruising without catastrophic loss of power.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Final cure for Type 45 destroyer propulsion problems announced|url=https://www.navylookout.com/final-cure-for-type-45-destroyer-propulsion-problems-announced/|access-date=2021-04-06|website=www.navylookout.com|date=21 March 2018|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225215311/https://www.navylookout.com/final-cure-for-type-45-destroyer-propulsion-problems-announced/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Dauntless'' arrived at Cammell Laird on 6 May 2020 to become the first ship to start the PIP upgrade.<ref>{{Cite web|title=HMS Dauntless Type 45 missile destroyer of British navy to be fitted with three new powerful engine|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/archives/archives-naval-defense/naval-defense-2020/hms-dauntless-type-45-missile-destroyer-of-british-navy-to-be-fitted-with-three-new-powerful-engine|access-date=2021-04-06|website=www.navyrecognition.com|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513213533/https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2020/may-2020/8381-hms-dauntless-type-45-missile-destroyer-of-british-navy-to-be-fitted-with-three-new-powerful-engine.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Completion of the upgrade of all six ships is planned by the mid-2020s.<ref>{{Citation |author=Baroness Goldie |title=Defence: Type 45 Destroyers |work=House of Lords Debates |date=21 January 2020 |publisher=UK Parliament |url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2020-01-21/debates/72CA94D1-1D8F-4D7E-92C1-9A33C587D89E/DefenceType45Destroyers |volume=801 |at=column 1039 |access-date=2021-04-06 |language=en |archive-date=9 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509022944/https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2020-01-21/debates/72CA94D1-1D8F-4D7E-92C1-9A33C587D89E/DefenceType45Destroyers |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Advanced air-defence=== {{Further|PAAMS|SAMPSON|S1850M|Aster (missile family)}} The Type 45 destroyers are primarily designed for anti-air warfare, able to defend against targets such as fighter aircraft, drones, and highly manoeuverable sea-skimming anti-ship missiles travelling at supersonic speeds.<ref name="USNWC Type 45">{{cite journal |url=https://www.usnwc.edu/getattachment/8c48e9ba-b7ca-42f1-868b-451f9ac72cd0/The-Type-45-Daring-Class-Destroyer--How-Project-Ma.aspx |title=The Type 45 Daring-Class Destroyer: How Project Management Problems Led to Fewer Ships |last1=Lombardi |first1=Ben |last2=Rudd |first2=David |journal=Naval War College Review |date=Summer 2013 |volume=66 |number=3 |publisher=U.S. Naval War College |access-date=20 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010060050/http://usnwc.edu/getattachment/8c48e9ba-b7ca-42f1-868b-451f9ac72cd0/The-Type-45-Daring-Class-Destroyer--How-Project-Ma.aspx |archive-date=10 October 2013}}</ref> The Royal Navy describes the destroyers' mission as "to shield the Fleet from air attack".<ref name="Type 45 Destroyer"/> [[File:Operations Room HMS Daring MOD 45149880.jpg|thumb|upright|The operations room aboard HMS ''Daring'']] The Type 45 destroyer is equipped with the Sea Viper (PAAMS) air-defence system utilising the SAMPSON active electronically scanned array multi-function radar and the S1850M long-range radar. PAAMS can track over 2,000 targets and simultaneously control and coordinate multiple missiles in the air at once, allowing a large number of tracks to be intercepted and destroyed at any given time. This makes it particularly difficult to swamp PAAMS during a saturation attack, even if the attacking elements are supersonic.<ref name="UK PAAMS">{{cite web |url=http://navy-matters.beedall.com/paams.htm |title=UK PAAMS |last=Beedall |first=Richard |website=Navy Matters |access-date=31 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028221659/http://navy-matters.beedall.com/paams.htm |archive-date=28 October 2014}}</ref> The US Naval War College has suggested that the SAMPSON radar is capable of tracking 1,000 objects the size of a cricket ball travelling at three times the speed of sound (Mach 3), emphasising the system's capabilities against high-performance stealth targets.<ref name="USNWC Type 45"/> [[File:Type 45 Destroyer HMS Daring Passing Through The Suez Canal MOD 45153569.jpg|thumb|left|48-cell A50 Sylver Vertical Launching System on ''Daring'']] A core component of PAAMS is the Aster missile, comprising Aster 15 and Aster 30. MBDA describes Aster as a "hit-to-kill" anti-missile missile capable of intercepting all types of high-performance air threats at a maximum range of 120 km.<ref name="MBDA Aster">{{cite web |url=http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/files/aster_ds.pdf |title=Aster Anti-Missile Missile |website=MBDA |access-date=20 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511001439/http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/files/aster_ds.pdf |archive-date=11 May 2012}}</ref> The Aster missile is autonomously guided and equipped with an active RF seeker enabling it to cope with "saturated attacks" thanks to a "multiple engagement capability" and a "high rate of fire".<ref name="MBDA Aster"/> The ''Daring''-class destroyers are equipped with a 48-cell A50 Sylver Vertical Launching System, allowing for a mix of up to 48 Aster 15 and 30 missiles.{{Citation needed|date=March 2026}}
In addition to its anti-air warfare role, PAAMS offers additional anti-ballistic missile capabilities. In March 2013, the United States Naval Institute reported that the Royal Navy, along with the United States Missile Defense Agency, would explore the potential of the ''Daring'' class to provide ballistic missile defence in Europe along with United States Navy Aegis Combat System-equipped destroyers.<ref name=USNI>{{cite web |url=http://news.usni.org/2013/03/07/u-k-royal-navy-wants-to-bullseye-rogue-missiles-with-u-s-help |title=U.K. Royal Navy Wants to Bullseye Rogue Missiles with U.S. Help |last=LaGrone |first=Sam |date=7 March 2013 |website=U.S. Naval Institute |access-date=7 March 2013 |archive-date=30 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630161032/https://news.usni.org/2013/03/07/u-k-royal-navy-wants-to-bullseye-rogue-missiles-with-u-s-help |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2014, Jane's Information Group reported that the United Kingdom is committing more funds to explore the capabilities of the SAMPSON multi-function radar and the Type 45 destroyer in a ballistic missile defence role. This followed a successful live firing event at the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site, Kwajalein Atoll in the Western Pacific Ocean, where ''Daring'' demonstrated the ability to "[detect] at the earliest opportunity, with tracks maintained through to intercept" two medium-range ballistic missile surrogate targets. BAE Systems reportedly told Jane's that the SAMPSON multi-function radar "exceeded expectations in all respects". An "Experiment Concurrency and Cueing (TECC)" event for the Type 45 was planned for late 2015.<ref name="Type 45 BMD Jane's">{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/37970/uk-extends-sampson-radar-experimental-bmd-research |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414171020/http://www.janes.com/article/37970/uk-extends-sampson-radar-experimental-bmd-research |archive-date=2015-04-14 |title=UK extends Sampson radar experimental BMD research |date=17 May 2014 |website=IHS Jane's 360 |first=Richard |last=Scott |access-date=19 May 2014 }}</ref>
Due to the greater capabilities of the Type 45 over predecessors, the high price per ship, and the public attention they have attracted, defence analysts and correspondents have referred to them as the "most advanced" or "most powerful" air-defence destroyers in the world.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/3702683/Worlds-most-advanced-destroyer-handed-to-Royal-Navy.html |title=World's most advanced destroyer handed to Royal Navy |last=Harding |first=Thomas |date=10 December 2008 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=10 December 2008 |archive-date=27 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627085800/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/3702683/Worlds-most-advanced-destroyer-handed-to-Royal-Navy.html |url-status=live }}</ref> BAE Systems claim that "the Type 45 Destroyer is recognised as the most advanced anti-air warfare vessel in the world."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baesystems.com/en/product/destroyers |title=Products – Destroyers |website=BAE Systems |access-date=21 July 2017 |archive-date=3 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703004900/https://www.baesystems.com/en/product/destroyers |url-status=live }}</ref> Nick Brown, the editor-in-chief of Jane's International Defence Review, was quoted by ''The Huffington Post'' saying, "It's certainly one of the most advanced air defence ships in the world... The US Aegis system is similar, but Sea Viper is more advanced."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/02/03/hms-dauntless-royal-navy-falklands_n_1252548.html |title=Falkland Islands: HMS Dauntless, The Royal Navy's 'Cutting Edge' Deterrent |last=Vale |first=Paul |date=3 February 2012 |website=The Huffington Post |access-date=3 February 2012 |archive-date=30 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630174225/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/02/03/hms-dauntless-royal-navy-falklands_n_1252548.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Weapons, countermeasures, capabilities and sensors== [[File:SAMPSON-rotation-composite-3.jpg|thumb|The SAMPSON AESA each of two faces of multi-function air tracking radar makes a full 360° rotation every four seconds.]] [[File:HMS Daring S1850M Long Range Radar.jpg|thumb|upright|The S1850M long-range air surveillance radar on {{HMS|Daring|D32|6}}. A 20 mm Phalanx CIWS gun mount can be seen in the foreground.]] [[File:Defence Imagery - Missiles 19.jpg|thumb|upright|{{HMS|Diamond|D34|6}} firing an Aster missile for the first time]] [[File:RAN-IFR 2013 D4 07.JPG|thumb|The BAE 4.5-inch Mark 8 naval gun on ''Daring'']]
===Anti-air warfare=== The Sea Viper air-defence system consists of the SAMPSON active electronically scanned array multi-function air tracking radar, which is capable of tracking hundreds of targets (range {{convert|400|km|abbr=on|disp=comma}}). * S1850M 3D long-range air surveillance radar, capable of tracking up to 1,000 targets (range 400 km).{{Citation needed|date=March 2026}} A 48-cell A50 Sylver Vertical Launching System for a mix of up to 48 shorter-ranged Aster 15 missiles ({{convert|1.7|–|30|km|abbr=on}}) and Aster 30 Block 0 missiles covering {{convert |3|–|120|km|abbr=on}}.
The Type 45 did not have a formal theatre ballistic missile defence (TBMD) capability, but its potential for such a role was being assessed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-navy-destroyer-to-join-ballistic-defence-trial |title=Royal Navy destroyer to join ballistic defence trial |date=6 March 2013 |website=Ministry of Defence |access-date=12 August 2013 |archive-date=27 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627093004/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-navy-destroyer-to-join-ballistic-defence-trial |url-status=live }}</ref> Land-based Aster 30 Block 1 missiles have intercepted short-range ballistic missiles,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/#/news/2422 |title=MBDA's Aster, the first European missile to successfully carry out a ballistic intercept |date=25 November 2010 |website=MBDA Missile Systems |access-date=18 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330224520/http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/#/news/2422 |archive-date=30 March 2014}}</ref> and trials of a land-based SAMPSON modified for BMD were planned for early 2012.<ref>{{cite news |title=UK set to test experimental Sampson modified for BMD |first=Richard |last=Scott |newspaper=Jane's International Defence Review |date=December 2011 |volume=44 |page=8}}</ref> The Ministry of Defence announced in 2013 that the first ship, ''Daring'', would take part in ballistic defence trials with the US Missile Defence Agency (MDA) as part of a major research and development programme.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-navy-destroyer-to-join-ballistic-defence-trial |title=Royal Navy destroyer to join ballistic defence trial |website=UK Government |date=6 March 2013 |author=Ministry of Defence and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory |access-date=9 June 2016 |archive-date=27 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627093004/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-navy-destroyer-to-join-ballistic-defence-trial |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2016, Britain and France announced a joint procurement programme with the intention of France acquiring Brimstone missiles to equip the Eurocopter Tiger Mk 3 helicopter and Britain acquiring Aster Block 1NT missiles capable of intercepting medium-range ballistic missiles of {{convert|1000|–|1,500|km|abbr=on}} range. A block 2 version of the Aster 30 NT capable of intercepting {{convert|3000|km|abbr=on}} range missiles is under development by France and Italy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/land/weapons/2016/03/17/france/81908970/ |title=MBDA: France, UK Agree on 'Cross-Procurement' Policy |website=Defense News |date=17 March 2016 |access-date=22 July 2016}}</ref>
'''Planned upgrades'''
In July 2021, it was announced that the destroyers' anti-air armament was to be enhanced with the addition of a 24-cell silo for Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missiles.<ref>{{Cite web|title=£500m firepower upgrade for Type 45 destroyers|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/500m-firepower-upgrade-for-type-45-destroyers|access-date=2021-07-07|website=GOV.UK|language=en|archive-date=6 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706131702/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/500m-firepower-upgrade-for-type-45-destroyers|url-status=live}}</ref> These were reported as likely to be in lieu of Aster 15 missiles, permitting the 48 Sylver A50 launch cells to be entirely devoted to carrying Aster 30. It was also announced that Eurosam would provide a refresh of the Aster 30 missile systems. All six ships were to be upgraded from 2026 to 2032.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyers – reaching their full potential with addition of Sea Ceptor missiles|url=https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navys-type-45-destroyers-reaching-their-full-potential-with-addition-of-sea-ceptor-missiles/|access-date=2021-07-07|website=Navy Lookout|date=6 July 2021|archive-date=30 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530003226/https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navys-type-45-destroyers-reaching-their-full-potential-with-addition-of-sea-ceptor-missiles/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{update-inline|date=April 2026}}
In May 2022, the Ministry of Defence announced that the Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyers would be upgraded with a ballistic missile defence capability. As part of the Sea Viper Evolution programme, the six ships would be equipped with Aster 30 Block 1 missiles and receive upgrades to their SAMPSON radars and Sea Viper command and control systems.<ref name="BMD">{{cite news |title=Type 45 Ballistic Missile Defence upgrade to support more than 100 UK jobs |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/type-45-ballistic-missile-defence-upgrade-to-support-more-than-100-uk-jobs |access-date=24 May 2022 |publisher=UK Government |date=24 May 2022 |archive-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524123244/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/type-45-ballistic-missile-defence-upgrade-to-support-more-than-100-uk-jobs |url-status=live }}</ref>{{update-inline |date =April 2026}}
In order to defend against the growing threat posed by UAVs, MBDA UK was contracted in 2025 to deliver two DragonFire laser-based directed energy weapon (DEW) systems for the Type 45 destroyer, with the first ship to be fit in 2027.<ref>{{cite news |title=UK Contracts for DragonFire Naval Laser Capability to Help Build Cost-effective Ship-based Defence |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/11/uk-contracts-for-dragonfire-naval-laser-capability-to-help-build-cost-effective-ship-based-defence/ |access-date=21 November 2025 |publisher=Naval News |date=21 November 2025 |last=Willet |first=Lee }}</ref>
===Guns=== * 1 × BAE Systems 4.5-inch Mark 8 Mod 1 naval gun. {{Asof|November 2011}}, the Mk 8 Mod 1 is scheduled to remain in service until the 2030s, with a Mod 2 upgrade along the way to address obsolescence.<ref name=Janes20111130>{{cite news |url=http://jdw.janes.com/ |title=Taking aim at Type 26 |first=Richard |last=Scott |date=30 November 2011 |newspaper=Jane's Defence Weekly |page=24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980514185102/http://jdw.janes.com/ |archive-date=14 May 1998}}</ref> * 2 × 30 mm Small Calibre Guns on single DS-30B mounts.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The all-rounder – the 30mm Automated Small Calibre Gun in focus|work=Navy Lookout|url=https://www.navylookout.com/the-all-rounder-the-30mm-automated-small-calibre-gun-in-focus/|access-date=2022-04-21|date=13 January 2021|archive-date=21 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421181604/https://www.navylookout.com/the-all-rounder-the-30mm-automated-small-calibre-gun-in-focus/|url-status=live}}</ref> * 2 × Phalanx 20 mm calibre close-in weapon systems (CIWS).<ref name=NNJan2011>{{cite news |url=http://content.yudu.com/A1qctz/navynewsjan11/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http://content.yudu.com/A1qctz/navynewsjan11/resources/flipbook.swf |title=The Best of the UK |date=January 2011 |newspaper=Navy News |page=9 |access-date=26 January 2011 |quote=Daring is currently undergoing a mini overhaul which among other upgrades will see her fitted with Phalanx automated guns |archive-date=19 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519132401/http://content.yudu.com/A1qctz/navynewsjan11/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http://content.yudu.com/A1qctz/navynewsjan11/resources/flipbook.swf |url-status=live }}</ref> * 2 × 7.62 mm M134 Miniguns.<ref name=DaringWD>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/surface-fleet/type-45-destroyers/hms-daring/departments/the-warfare-department |title=HMS ''Daring'': The Warfare Department |website=Royal Navy |access-date=12 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420220428/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/surface-fleet/type-45-destroyers/hms-daring/departments/the-warfare-department |archive-date=20 April 2009 }}</ref> (replaced by 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) Browning heavy machine guns as of 2023)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/in-focus-the-50-cal-heavy-machine-gun-in-royal-navy-service/ |title=In focus: the 50 cal heavy machine gun in Royal Navy service |publisher=Navy Lookout |date=5 May 2023 |access-date=5 May 2023 |first=Christopher |last=Dwulet |archive-date=5 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505153652/https://www.navylookout.com/in-focus-the-50-cal-heavy-machine-gun-in-royal-navy-service/ |url-status=live }}</ref> * Up to 6 × 7.62 mm L7A2 General Purpose Machine Guns.<ref name=DaringWD />
===Aviation=== The flight deck of the Type 45 is large enough to accommodate aircraft up to the size of a Boeing Chinook helicopter.<ref name=RN20130212>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/February/12/130212-Dauntless-makes-history-training-future-front-line-Naval-aviators |title=Dauntless makes history training future front-line Naval aviators |date=12 February 2013 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=12 August 2013 |archive-date=10 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410155819/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/February/12/130212-Dauntless-makes-history-training-future-front-line-Naval-aviators |url-status=live }}</ref> It has hangar space for either one Merlin HM1 or two Westland Lynx helicopters.<ref name=RN20130212 /> The Merlin HM2 has a dipping sonar, sonobuoys and radar; the Merlin can carry four anti-submarine Sting Ray torpedoes, while the smaller Lynx HMA8 can carry either two Sting Ray torpedoes or four Sea Skua anti-ship missiles. From 2015, the Lynx has been replaced in RN service by the AW159 Wildcat, whose weapons include the Martlet missile from 2021 and the 'Future Air-to-Surface Guided Weapon (Heavy)' missile from 2026.{{update-inline|date=April 2026}}<ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130506/DEFREG01/305060010/France-OKs-Joint-Missile-Development-UK |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130812222901/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130506/DEFREG01/305060010/France-OKs-Joint-Missile-Development-UK |archive-date=12 August 2013 |title=France OKs Joint Missile Development with UK |first=Pierre |last=Tran |date=6 May 2013 |website=Defense News}}</ref> The Wildcat relies on the ship's sensors in attacking submarine targets since, in RN service as of 2019, it lacks dipping sonar or sonobuoys of its own.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/in-focus-the-wildcat-multi-role-helicopter-in-service-with-the-royal-navy/|title=In focus: The Wildcat multi role helicopter in service with the Royal Navy | Navy Lookout|date=4 February 2019|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326025834/https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/in-focus-the-wildcat-multi-role-helicopter-in-service-with-the-royal-navy/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Anti-ship, submarine and land-attack=== Four of the six Type 45 destroyers received Harpoon launchers recycled from the last four decommissioned Type 22 frigates.<ref name="FOI20130807" /> ''Duncan, Diamond'' and ''Daring'' all received this upgrade.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/march/02/150302-duncan-sails-for-maiden-deployment |title=HMS Duncan sails for maiden deployment |date=2 March 2015 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=2 March 2015 |archive-date=19 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919100201/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/march/02/150302-duncan-sails-for-maiden-deployment |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="DiamondHarpoon">{{cite news |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/march/23/150323-hms-diamond-crew-back-on-board |title=HMS Diamond crew back on board after refit |date=23 March 2015 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=23 March 2015 |archive-date=23 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823021228/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/march/23/150323-hms-diamond-crew-back-on-board |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/june/12/140612-daring-lynx |title=Daring's Lynx fliers singled out for Philippines disaster mission |date=12 June 2015 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=18 October 2015 |archive-date=1 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201100716/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/june/12/140612-daring-lynx |url-status=live }}</ref> As of 2022, it was reported that Harpoon SSMs were no longer deployed on the destroyers.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.navylookout.com/can-the-uk-supply-anti-ship-missiles-to-ukraine/|title = Can the UK supply anti-ship missiles to Ukraine? | Navy Lookout|date = 10 April 2022|access-date = 10 April 2022|archive-date = 10 April 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220410230143/https://www.navylookout.com/can-the-uk-supply-anti-ship-missiles-to-ukraine/|url-status = live}}</ref> However, as of March 2023, HMS ''Duncan'' was still equipped with Harpoon,<ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1636756705089409024 |title= @HMSDuncan sails from Portsmouth this afternoon. Has been re-equipped with Harpoon missiles - the first Type 45 to carry SSM for several years. |number=1636756705089409024 |user=NavyLookout |date=17 March 2023 |access-date=18 March 2023}}</ref> though the missile was withdrawn from all the destroyers by the end of 2023. In November 2022, it was announced that the Royal Navy would replace Harpoon with the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) , on the Type 45 destroyers.<ref>{{cite news |date=23 November 2022 |title=Norwegian Naval Strike Missiles to the British Royal Navy |url=https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/den-britiske-marinen-tar-i-bruk-norske-sjomalsmissiler/id2948032/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123200603/https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/den-britiske-marinen-tar-i-bruk-norske-sjomalsmissiler/id2948032/ |archive-date=23 November 2022 |access-date=23 November 2022 |website=regjeringen.no (Norwegian Government)}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=23 November 2022 |title=United Kingdom's Royal Navy Selects Kongsberg's Naval Strike Missile |url=https://www.kongsberg.com/kda/news/news-archive/2022/the-british-royal-navy-selects-kongsbergs--naval-strike-missile/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123152153/https://www.kongsberg.com/kda/news/news-archive/2022/the-british-royal-navy-selects-kongsbergs--naval-strike-missile/ |archive-date=23 November 2022 |access-date=23 November 2022 |website=kongsberg.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Royal Navy ships to be fitted with advanced new missile system |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-navy-ships-to-be-fitted-with-advanced-new-missile-system |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123191247/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-navy-ships-to-be-fitted-with-advanced-new-missile-system |archive-date=23 November 2022 |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref>
The Type 45 has a bow-mounted medium-frequency Ultra/EDO MFS-7000 sonar but has no shipboard anti-submarine weapons. The class relies on its helicopter(s) for ASW. {{Asof|August 2013}}, there were no plans to fit anti-submarine torpedo tubes.<ref name="FOI20130807">{{cite web |url=https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/168344/response/416866/attach/html/3/20130807%2011%2007%202013%20095342%20001%20Response%20Dainton%20weapons.pdf.html |title=Request for Information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 |author=((DE&S Policy Secretariat)) |date=7 August 2013 |website=WhatDoTheyKnow |access-date=12 August 2013 |archive-date=27 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627101249/https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/168344/response/416866/attach/html/3/20130807%2011%2007%202013%20095342%20001%20Response%20Dainton%20weapons.pdf.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
The 4.5-inch Mark 8 Mod 1 naval gun can be used against ships and for naval gunfire support (NGS) against land targets.
===Countermeasures=== * The Seagnat decoy system allows for the seduction and distraction of radar-guided weapons through active and passive means. An infrared countermeasure device is planned for future retrofits. * Airborne Systems's Naval Decoy IDS300<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.navalsystems-tech.com/files/navalsystems/supplier_docs/Naval-Decoy-Specification-sheet.pdf |title=IDS300 Naval Decoy Systems |access-date=15 April 2018 |archive-date=16 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416074017/http://www.navalsystems-tech.com/files/navalsystems/supplier_docs/Naval-Decoy-Specification-sheet.pdf }}</ref> floating naval decoy system (corner reflectors).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airborne-sys.com/pages/view/naval-decoy-ids300 |title=Naval Decoy IDS300, Ship Deployed Floating Naval Countermeasure |website=Airborne Systems |access-date=16 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811010148/http://www.airborne-sys.com/pages/view/naval-decoy-ids300 |archive-date=11 August 2011}}</ref> * Surface Ship Torpedo Defence System (SSTD) active torpedo decoy system.
===Communications and other systems=== {{prose |section|date=April 2026}} * Fully Integrated Communications System (FICS45): a combined external and internal communications system supplied by Thales and Selex ES Ltd.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.selex-comms.co.uk/selex/MNDataSheets/mm06012%20-%20T45%20FICS_web.pdf |title=Type 45 FICS Fully Integrated Communications System |website=Selex Communications}}{{dead link |date=November 2011}}</ref> * In 2012, the UAT Mod 2.0 digital Radar Electronic Surveillance system was fitted to ''Daring'' and ''Diamond'' as part of a £40m contract with Thales UK that will see UAT Mod 2.1 fitted to the other Type 45s.<ref name="Desider201209" /> * METOC Meteorology and Oceanography: The Metoc system by BAE Systems comprises the Upper Air Sounding System using launchable radiosondes by Eurodefence Systems Ltd and Graw Radiosondes (Germany) joint venture, as well as a comprehensive weather satellite receiving system and a bathymetric system. These sensors provide each vessel with full environmental awareness for tasks such as radar propagation, ballistics, and general self-supporting meteorological and oceanographic data production.
===Additional capabilities=== The Type 45 has sufficient space to embark 60 Royal Marines and their equipment.<ref name="Type 45 Destroyer" />
The Type 45 destroyers are designed with the ability to operate as flagships.<ref>{{Cite Hansard |title=Written Answers – Frigates |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110317/text/110317w0001.htm |house=House of Commons |date=17 March 2011 |column=511W |speaker=Peter Luff |position=Minister for Defence Procurement }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514134000/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110317/text/110317w0001.htm |date=14 May 2021 }}</ref>
== Operational history ==
In support of protecting merchant ships transiting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, HMS ''Diamond'' shot down a suspected attack drone targeting commercial shipping with a single Sea Viper (Aster) missile on the night of 15 December 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/grantshapps/status/1735979682854826175|title=Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP |access-date=16 December 2023|archive-date=16 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216115303/https://twitter.com/grantshapps/status/1735979682854826175|url-status=live}}</ref> According to ''Navy Lookout'', the Sea Viper missile that was used costs around £1–2 million and the drone it shot down may have only cost 20,000 US dollars. In the same theatre of war, the United States Navy ship, USS Carney, has shot down 14 drones, most likely, using her main gun which is a much cheaper method. The Royal Navy is unable to use the main gun on their ships to do this, the 4.5-inch Mark 8, because software support for anti-aircraft use has been withdrawn (RN ships will not have anti-aircraft main gun capability until the Type 26 frigates, or Type 31 frigates, are in service). The in service Type 23 frigates have the Sea Ceptor missile system which can be used to shoot down drones and is cheaper than the Sea Viper (Aster) missile system. It will be several years until the Type 45 destroyers are fitted with the Sea Ceptor upgrade.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 19, 2023 |url=https://www.navylookout.com/guns-missiles-and-drones-naval-actions-in-the-red-sea/ |title=Guns, missiles and drones - naval actions in the Red Sea |work=Navy Lookout |access-date=1 January 2024}}</ref> On 10 January 2024, it was reported that ''Diamond'' had shot down seven drones in the Red Sea using a combination of her missiles and guns on 9 January as part of a force that brought down "21 drones and missiles" that night.<ref>{{cite news |last=Walters |first=Alex |date=10 January 2024 |url=https://www.forces.net/services/navy/hms-diamond-capabilities-type-45-destroyer-repelling-red-sea-attacks |title=HMS Diamond: Capabilities of the Type 45 destroyer thwarting red sea attacks |work=Forces.net |access-date=10 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Haynes |first=Deborah |date=10 January 2024 |url=https://news.sky.com/story/largest-houthi-attack-to-date-in-red-sea-repelled-by-hms-diamond-grant-shapps-says-13045115 |title='Largest Houthi attack to date' in Red Sea repelled by HMS Diamond and US warships, Grant Shapps says |work=Sky News |access-date=10 January 2024}}</ref>
On Wednesday 24 April 2024, HMS ''Diamond'' used a single Sea Viper (Aster) missile to shoot down a ballistic missile which had been launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and which according to American sources was likely targeting a US container ship. It was the first time since the Gulf War of 1991 that the Royal Navy had intercepted any kind of missile in combat, when HMS ''Gloucester'' shot down an Iraqi Silkworm cruise missile. It is also the first time that the Royal Navy's Sea Viper system has shot down a ballistic missile in combat.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-04-25 |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/april/25/240425-hms-diamond-shoots-down-a-houthi-missile |title=HMS Diamond shoots down Houthi missile |website=royalnavy.mod.uk |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2024-04-25 |url=https://www.navylookout.com/hms-diamond-makes-first-sea-viper-anti-ballistic-missile-kill-in-action-in-the-red-sea/ |title=HMS Diamond makes first Sea Viper anti-ballistic missile kill in action in the Gulf of Aden |work=Navy Lookout |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Culley |first=Jeremy |date=2024-04-26 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68901467 |title=Royal Navy destroyer HMS Diamond shoots down missile fired by Houthis in Yemen |work=BBC News |access-date=2024-04-30}}</ref>
==Ships in the class== [[File:HMS Daring and HMS Dauntless MOD 45151056.jpg|thumb|upright|''Dauntless'' (front) operating with ''Daring'' off the Isle of Wight in 2010]] thumb|''Duncan'', the last ship of the class, departing for sea trials in 2012 Six ships were ordered, and transfer of custody of the first happened on 10 December 2008.<ref name="Daring0908">{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/surface-fleet/type-45-destroyers/hms-daring/ |title=HMS ''Daring'' |date=19 July 2008 |website=Royal Navy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090609181842/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/surface-fleet/type-45-destroyers/hms-daring/ |archive-date=9 June 2009}}</ref> The MoD's initial planning assumption was to procure twelve ships on a like-for-like replacement of a similar number of Type 42s, with the size of the second batch to be determined between 2005 and 2010.<ref name=HC1229>{{cite book |chapter-url=http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200102/cmselect/cmdfence/1229/122902.htm#a2 |chapter=Appendix – Warship Building Strategies |title=Major Procurement Projects: Government Response |publisher=House of Commons Defence Committee |date=24 October 2002 |id=HC 1229 |isbn=978-0-21-500586-1 |access-date=29 May 2010 |quote=The MoD intends to make a decision on the size of the next batch of Type-45s in the second half of the decade. Until the main investment decision on the next batch is made, the size of that batch will remain a planning assumption. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829024403/http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200102/cmselect/cmdfence/1229/122902.htm |archive-date=29 August 2012}}</ref> However, this was reduced to eight ships in the 2003 defence white paper entitled ''Delivering Security in a Changing World: Future Capabilities'', following a strategic refocusing on "small to medium-scale operations" and expeditionary land operations.<ref name="USNWC Type 45"/> It was reported in December 2006 that the last two could be cut.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/newspapers/sunday_times/britain/article1265414.ece |title=Half of Royal Navy's ships in mothballs as defence cuts bite |first=Michael |last=Harrison |date=31 December 2006 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |access-date=19 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070216154035/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/newspapers/sunday_times/britain/article1265414.ece |archive-date=16 February 2007}}</ref> In July 2007, Ministry of Defence officials stated that they "still planned to build eight Type 45 destroyers" and that "the extra two ships were still included in planning assumptions".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article2141406.ece |title=Go-ahead for £4bn aircraft carriers |first=Michael |last=Evans |date=26 July 2007 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |access-date=26 July 2007 |archive-date=25 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725112906/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article2141406.ece }}</ref> This plan was officially abandoned on 19 June 2008 when the Minister for the Armed Forces, Bob Ainsworth, announced in Parliament that options for the seventh and eighth destroyers would not be taken up.<ref name=HC850-I>{{cite report |url=http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/31D096E9-3F41-4633-BEA2-AE62CF97C3AE/0/annrptvol1_200708.pdf |title=Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts Volume I including the Annual Performance Report and Consolidated Departmental Resource Accounts |work=Ministry of Defence |publisher=HM Government |date=21 July 2008 |id=HC 850-I |isbn=978-0-10-295509-5 |access-date=26 July 2011 |page=98 |quote=Six of these highly advanced and capable ships have been ordered, but following the 2008 planning round we no longer intend to place orders for any further Type 45 destroyers. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607224042/http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/31D096E9-3F41-4633-BEA2-AE62CF97C3AE/0/annrptvol1_200708.pdf |archive-date=7 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/Government-admits-destroyers-will-never.4204440.jp |title=Government admits destroyers will never be built |last=Kula |first=Adam |date=19 June 2008 |newspaper=The News |access-date=19 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080627154338/http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/Government-admits-destroyers-will-never.4204440.jp |archive-date=27 June 2008}}</ref> The continual scaling back of the project, first from twelve to eight, and subsequently to six ships, has been criticised for leaving the Royal Navy with insufficient ships to meet its requirements.<ref name="shippingtimes1"/><ref name="autogenerated6"/>
On 9 March 2007, ''The Independent'' reported that Saudi Arabia was considering buying "two or three" Type 45s.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article2341426.ece |title=UK seeks £2bn Saudi destroyer contract |first=Michael |last=Harrison |date=9 March 2007 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |access-date=9 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312005324/http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article2341426.ece |archive-date=12 March 2007}}</ref> On 7 September 2007, it was reported that Saudi Arabian officials had been invited to observe ''Daring''{{'}}s sea trials.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/engineering/article2402913.ece |title=BAE poised to clinch £20bn Saudi Eurofighter deal |first=David |last=Robertson |date=7 September 2007 |newspaper=The Times |location=London |access-date=8 September 2007 |archive-date=12 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612213309/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/engineering/article2402913.ece }}</ref>
In 2009, the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee conducted an enquiry into the procurement. Its main conclusions were that despite the destroyer being based on 80% new technology, there was a failure to take sufficient account of technical risk, over-optimism, and an inappropriate too-early fixed price project entered into before many elements had been specified. This resulted in a difficult commercial relationship until a contract renegotiation in 2007. It noted that the MoD believed six ships would still enable it to meet the operational requirement of having five ships at sea, with only a small risk of failing to meet that requirement.<ref name=PAC-HC372>{{cite report |pages=5–13 |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/cmpubacc/372/372.pdf |title=Ministry of Defence: Type 45 Destroyer |id=HC 372 |publisher=UK Parliament |work=House of Commons Public Accounts Committee |date=1 June 2009 |access-date=15 June 2020 |archive-date=26 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626121936/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/cmpubacc/372/372.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
In July 2016, it was reported that all six of the class were docked in Portsmouth. The Ministry of Defence said it was "unusual but not unprecedented" and that "All Type 45 destroyers are currently in port as they have either just returned from operations or are about to be deployed, are conducting training or carrying out maintenance or are home for crew to take summer leave."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://modmedia.blog.gov.uk/2016/07/31/defence-in-the-media-31-july/ |title=Defence in the media |date=31 July 2016 |website=UK Ministry of Defence |access-date=1 August 2016 |archive-date=27 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627113815/https://modmedia.blog.gov.uk/2016/07/31/defence-in-the-media-31-july/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In an interview with the ''Sunday Times'', former Rear Admiral Chris Parry claimed that the Type 45 destroyers are noisy ships that can be heard {{convert|100|nmi}} away by submarines.<ref name=telegraph-20170205>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/05/british-warships-noisy-russian-submarines-can-hear-100-miles/ |title=British warships 'so noisy' Russian submarines can hear them 100 miles away, investigation finds |first=Laura |last=Hughes |date=5 February 2017 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=6 February 2017 |archive-date=27 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627113812/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/05/british-warships-noisy-russian-submarines-can-hear-100-miles/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Parry claimed that noise suppression in surface ships has been ignored since the end of the Cold War; the MoD responded to this claim by stating that as air defence ships, noise suppression was not a "premium requirement" for the Type 45 class.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Agerholm |first=Harriet |date=5 January 2017 |title=British warships are 'so noisy' Russian submarines can hear them 100 miles away |work=The Independent |quote=Noise suppression has been probably the biggest dirty secret since the end of the Cold War that people have been cheerfully ignoring."}}</ref>
In response to a written question in the House of Commons on 19 July 2021, Jeremy Quinn Minister of State, Ministry of Defence, detailed the status of the Type 45 destroyers as 4 undergoing refit in the UK, one being repaired abroad having been forced to detach from the CSG21 formation and one active with CSG21.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2021-07-14.33140.h|title=Type 45 Destroyers|access-date=25 July 2021|archive-date=25 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725200150/https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2021-07-14.33140.h|url-status=live}}</ref>
In January 2024 John Healey, Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, submitted a written question: "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the current status is of each of the Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyers". James Cartlidge, Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence, responded: "HMS ''Diamond'', HMS ''Duncan'' and HMS ''Dauntless'' are all currently available for operations. HMS ''Daring'', HMS ''Dragon'' and HMS ''Defender'' are all currently at various stages of the Power Improvement Project (PIP)."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/status-of-the-type-45-destroyer-fleet/ |title=Status of the Type 45 Destroyer fleet |date=26 January 2024 }}</ref>
The entire class is based at HMNB Portsmouth.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/December/31/131231-Duncan-Service |title=Royal Navy's final Type 45 destroyer enters service early |date=31 January 2013 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=4 January 2014 |archive-date=4 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504125813/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/December/31/131231-Duncan-Service |url-status=live }}</ref> All ships were built by BAE Systems Surface Ships.
{|class=wikitable |- ! Name ! Pennant no. ! First steel cut{{#tag:ref|The Type 45 is constructed in modules, so the keel is not "laid down" as in the past. The ceremonial start of the ships' construction is "cutting the first sheet" of steel.|group=N}} ! Launched ! Date of commission ! Power improvement package ! Status |- | {{HMS|Daring|D32|2}} | D32 | 28 March 2003 | 1 February 2006 | 23 July 2009<ref name=BBC1>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/8063097.stm |title=First port of call for destroyer |date=22 May 2009 |website=BBC News |access-date=31 May 2009 |archive-date=25 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525154726/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/8063097.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> | September 2021 to January 2023 | Undergoing upkeep |- | {{HMS|Dauntless|D33|2}} | D33 | 26 August 2004 | 23 January 2007 | 3 June 2010<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/HMS-Dauntless-set-for-Tyne.6257936.jp |title=HMS Dauntless set for Tyne visit |date=28 April 2010 |newspaper=Shields Gazette |access-date=9 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100906095151/http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/HMS-Dauntless-set-for-Tyne.6257936.jp |archive-date=6 September 2010}}</ref> | May 2020 to June 2022 | In active service |- | {{HMS|Diamond|D34|2}} | D34 | 25 February 2005 | 27 November 2007 | 6 May 2011<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/local/east-hampshire/hms_diamond_to_join_fleet_1_2647808 |title=HMS Diamond to join fleet |date=4 May 2011 |newspaper=The News |access-date=6 May 2011}}</ref> | October 2024 to date | Undergoing PIP Refit |- | {{HMS|Dragon|D35|2}} | D35 | 19 December 2005 | 17 November 2008 | 20 April 2012<ref name="HMS Dragon commissioned">{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2012/April/20/120420-HMS-Dragon-commissioned |title=HMS Dragon commissioned |date=20 April 2012 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=21 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422001508/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2012/April/20/120420-HMS-Dragon-commissioned |archive-date=22 April 2012}}</ref> | March 2022 to February 2024<ref>{{cite web |title=HMS Dauntless looks to future after successful engine trials |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2022/september/28/20220928-hms-dauntless-looks-to-future-after-successful-engine-trials |website=Royal Navy |access-date=14 October 2022 |archive-date=14 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014211526/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2022/september/28/20220928-hms-dauntless-looks-to-future-after-successful-engine-trials |url-status=live }}</ref> | In active service |- | {{HMS|Defender|D36|2}} | D36 | 31 July 2006 | 21 October 2009 | 21 March 2013<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/March/21/130321-HMS-Defender-joins-fleet |title=Royal Navy's newest destroyer joins the fleet |date=21 March 2013 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=22 March 2013 |archive-date=24 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324012042/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/March/21/130321-HMS-Defender-joins-fleet |url-status=live }}</ref> | July 2023 to date | Undergoing PIP Refit |- | {{HMS|Duncan|D37|2}} | D37 | 26 January 2007 | 11 October 2010 | 26 September 2013<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/September/26/130926-Duncan-commissioned |title=The fleet welcomes HMS Duncan, the sixth and final Type 45 Destroyer |date=26 September 2013 |website=Royal Navy |access-date=22 July 2016 |archive-date=29 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329040639/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/September/26/130926-Duncan-commissioned |url-status=live }}</ref> | TBA |In active service<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-28|title=HMS Duncan back in action after refit|url=https://www.navaltoday.com/2021/07/28/hms-duncan-back-in-action-after-refit/|access-date=2022-02-05|website=Naval Today|language=en-US|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111095736/https://www.navaltoday.com/2021/07/28/hms-duncan-back-in-action-after-refit/|url-status=live}}</ref> |}
Three ships of the Type 45 ''Daring'' class carry the same names as members of the previous {{sclass|Daring|destroyer|1||1949}}s of 1949; these are: {{HMS|Daring|D05|2}}, {{HMS|Diamond|D35|2}} and {{HMS|Defender|D114|2}}. These names had been used for the D-class destroyers of the 1930s. The name {{HMS|Duncan|D99|2}}, has been used for several ships, including the D-class flotilla leader, and also one of the Type 14 (''Blackwood''-class) frigates in the 1950s. The remaining Type 45 names, {{HMS|Dauntless|D45|2}} and {{HMS|Dragon|D46|2}}, were most recently carried by D-class (or ''Danae''-) light cruisers of 1918, which served until 1945.
In December 2020, the Minister for Defence Procurement, Jeremy Quin, indicated that under plans at that time, the Type 45 destroyers would be decommissioned between 2035 and 2038.<ref>{{Cite Hansard |url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2020-11-30.122596.h&s=Type+45 |last=Quin |first=Jeremy |title=Type 45 Destroyers: Decommissioning |date=3 December 2020 |access-date=21 June 2021 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627120343/https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2020-11-30.122596.h&s=Type+45 |date=27 June 2021 }}</ref> In January 2024, James Cartlidge, the Minister of State for Defence Procurement, responded to a written question, saying that the last destroyer will retire from service by the end of 2038.<ref>{{cite web |title=Type 45 Destroyers: Decommissioning |url=https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2024-01-22/10750 |website=UK Parliament |access-date=29 January 2024}}</ref>
==See also== * List of destroyer classes '''Equivalent destroyers of the same era''' *{{anl| {{sclass|Atago|destroyer|4}}}} * {{Annotated link |Sejong the Great-class destroyer|''Sejong the Great'' class (Batch I)}} * {{anl|{{sclass|Kolkata|destroyer|4}}}} * {{Annotated link |Type 052C destroyer|Type 052C}} *{{anl| {{sclass|Horizon|frigate|4}}}}
==Footnotes== {{Reflist|group=N}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Type 45 destroyer}} * {{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/Ships/Destroyers/Type-45-Destroyers |title=Type 45 |website=Royal Navy}} * {{cite web |url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=76 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928141627/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=76 |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 September 2011 |title=Type 45 Daring class Anti-Air Warfare Destroyer |website=NavyRecognition.com|date=30 August 2011 }}
{{Type 45 destroyer}} {{Royal Navy ships}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Type 45 Destroyer}} Category:Type 45 destroyers Category:Destroyer classes Category:Ship classes of the Royal Navy Category:Stealth ships