The Royal Navy’s HMS Dauntless has successfully joined forces with the French Navy in the eastern Atlantic during Exercise Sky Shark, showcasing the strength of UK-French cooperation in maritime defense. The Portsmouth-based Type 45 destroyer played a critical role in air defense, safeguarding Europe’s western coast alongside NATO allies.
Exercise Highlights
- UK-French Maritime Collaboration
HMS Dauntless partnered with French frigate FS Aquitaine to counter a range of simulated threats, including naval strikes, aerial attacks from French Rafale jets, and underwater incursions from a French submarine. - Comprehensive Defense Operations
The exercise demonstrated both nations’ capabilities in addressing modern maritime challenges, reinforcing regional security.
“This exercise underscores the vital importance of the UK-French partnership,” said Commander Ben Dorrington, Commanding Officer of HMS Dauntless. “By working together in challenging maritime scenarios, we continue to strengthen our ability to respond effectively to shared challenges.”
Operational Milestones
- Air Defense Excellence
HMS Dauntless, equipped with state-of-the-art air defense systems, showcased its ability to protect allied forces against a range of aerial threats, reinforcing its role as a critical asset to NATO’s regional defense network. - Replenishment at Sea (RAS)
A key achievement during the exercise was HMS Dauntless’s Replenishment at Sea with the French naval tanker FS Somme. This marked the ship’s first RAS in nearly a decade, a milestone highlighting both operational readiness and seamless allied interoperability.
Strengthening Regional Security
Exercise Sky Shark reflects the shared commitment of the Royal Navy and French Navy to maintaining maritime security and enhancing their operational partnership. The cooperation between HMS Dauntless and its French counterparts underscores the vital role of UK-French collaboration in protecting NATO’s interests and ensuring the stability of Europe’s western coast.
This successful exercise reinforces the Royal Navy’s dedication to multinational maritime security, while strengthening ties with one of its closest European allies.