British Navy's HMS Daring: From proud destroyer to repair dilemma

HMS Daring, a Type 45 destroyer, is becoming a significant image problem for the British Navy. As noted in an analysis in Defence Journal, it stands out mainly because it spends more time in repair halls than at sea. In this regard, it has become an infamous record holder.

According to the Global Firepower 2024 report, the United Kingdom has the 6th strongest military in the world. Although it struggles with issues such as tank forces, it is considered a standout in terms of air force and naval fleet, not only among European and global countries but even within NATO. However, some units theoretically contribute to the strength of the United Kingdom.

HMS Daring was commissioned into the Royal Navy on July 31, 2010. For nearly seven years, it participated in various, sometimes important, missions, including anti-piracy operations in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.

Increasing problems with the cooling of the propulsion system (resulting in a loss of power) led to the decision in April 2017 to repair the ship. This would not be unusual if it were not for the fact that efforts to fully restore HMS Daring's functionality are still ongoing. The repair period of HMS Daring now exceeds its time in active service.

Repair work on HMS Daring was carried out at the Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead and, according to communications from the British military, completed in 2022. HMS Daring returned to Portsmouth in January 2023, where it was to undergo final preparations for testing. These tests have yet to take place, casting doubt on assurances that the ship will join the British fleet this year.

Six destroyers of this type were built for the Royal Navy in total. They are very significant for the United Kingdom in the context of air combat and the protection of larger aircraft carriers (countering targets such as fighters, drones, and anti-ship missiles).

HMS Daring is over 492 feet long and about 69 feet in width. When fully operational, it can achieve speeds of up to 29 knots. It is equipped, among other things, with the PAAMS air defense system with Aster 15 and Aster 30 missile launchers. Additionally, it has anti-ship missiles, torpedo launchers, and various cannons and machine guns.