The carrier strike group led by HMS Prince of Wales has now sailed. “Operation Highmast,” an 8-month deployment, will demonstrate British resolve in preserving freedom of navigation around the world and hone skills in long-range operations. However, what many don’t realise is that it also takes with it half of Britain’s available defence against ballistic missile attack.
Britain’s only homeland defence against medium-range ballistic missiles is centred upon the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyer fleet and its Sea Viper anti-missile system. The problem is that four of the six Type 45s are still in maintenance or not fully crewed and ready, leaving just two to defend the country in event of attack. HMS Dauntless is one of them – and currently speeding towards the Mediterranean as it supports the carrier HMS Prince of Wales.
The carrier strike group led by HMS Prince of Wales has now sailed. “Operation Highmast,” an 8-month deployment, will demonstrate British resolve in preserving freedom of navigation around the world and hone skills in long-range operations. However, what many don’t realise is that it also takes with it half of Britain’s available defence against ballistic missile attack.
Britain’s only homeland defence against medium-range ballistic missiles is centred upon the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyer fleet and its Sea Viper anti-missile system. The problem is that four of the six Type 45s are still in maintenance or not fully crewed and ready, leaving just two to defend the country in event of attack. HMS Dauntless is one of them – and currently speeding towards the Mediterranean as it supports the carrier HMS Prince of Wales.