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HMS Duncan Completes 72-Hour ‘Sharpshooter’ Test of Layered Defences Off Welsh Coast

Blended live fire with virtual Sea Viper engagements validated a cost-saving method that will shape Royal Navy training and equipment priorities.

Overview

  • HMS Duncan executed Exercise Sharpshooter at the Aberporth Range in Cardigan Bay, operating as part of a notional task group protecting critical national infrastructure.
  • The destroyer tracked and neutralised five aerial targets and sank two Hammerhead uncrewed surface vessels while firing more than 200 rounds from its 4.5-inch gun.
  • An embarked Wildcat from 815 Naval Air Squadron fired Martlet missiles against aerial targets, extending the ship’s short-range defensive layer to about six kilometres.
  • The ship conducted virtual Sea Viper firings against simulated cruise and ballistic missiles, integrating sensors and combat systems without expending live interceptors.
  • Crew maintained Defence Watches and managed concurrent damage-control drills, with engineering teams identifying and fixing faults on the 30mm mount during the serial.