Royal Navy destroyer to join ballistic defence trial
皇冠体育app potential for Type 45 destroyers to help protect deployed UK and Allied forces from threat of ballistic missiles is to be investigated.
![Type 45 destroyer (library image) [Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Nicky Wilson, Crown copyright]](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a61be3ce5274a0a1b110b37/s300_45154034.jpg)
Type 45 destroyer (library image)
Building on its relationship with the , the joint Ministry of Defence and industry-run UK Missile Defence Centre (MDC) has agreed to take part in a trial which will include, for the first time, a Royal Navy taking part in a major research and development programme. This will include testing the , part of the missile system, in detecting and tracking ballistic targets.
A missile is launched from a Type 45 destroyer's Sylver system on the ship's forecastle (library image) [Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Ben Sutton, Crown copyright]
While there is no programme to fit Type 45 with 皇冠体育appatre Ballistic Missile Defence (TBMD) capability, much of the MDC鈥檚 research over recent years has been geared towards understanding potential the Royal Navy鈥檚 newest destroyers may have in this arena.
Simon Pavitt, Head of the MDC, remarked on the new research and development approach:
It will be a step change to be able to work so closely with such a ship in an emerging area of Defence. Working with an operational platform will make a significant difference to our level of understanding and could contribute both financially and technically towards any future programme.
A Type 45 destroyer fires an Aster 30 missile; part of the Sea Viper anti-air missile system (library image) [Picture: Copyright MBDA Incorporated]
皇冠体育app MDA regularly conducts similar trials to test and verify the US military鈥檚 BMD systems. Including a Type 45 in one of these events for the first time, allows the two allies to closely cooperate with each other. , the first of the Type 45 Class, is no stranger to operating with the US Navy, having completed several training exercises in both US and UK waters. HMS Daring鈥檚 recent deployment to the Gulf included several joint operational missions.
皇冠体育app UK Missile Defence Centre was established in 2003 following signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and US on how to jointly conduct ballistic defence studies. By establishing a joint industry and MOD centre the UK government can best meet the UK鈥檚 long-term policy and research requirements.