The UK’s six Type 45 – or Daring Class – Destroyers are committed around the world 365 days a year hunting pirates, drug runners or submarines, defending the Fleet from air attack, and providing humanitarian aid after natural disasters.

Type 45 at a glance

• The fleet, made up of HMS Daring, HMS Dauntless, HMS Diamond, HMS Dragon, HMS Defender and HMS Duncan, is based at HMNB Portsmouth.
• They are almost as tall as Nelson’s Column and contain enough electrical cable to travel the M25 three times.
• Their tours have seen them working with allies in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Gulf to protect allied and merchant shipping and wider British interests in the region.  They have also provided help to relieve the stricken islands of the Philippines after typhoon Haiyan struck in late 2013 and provided life-saving assistance to the crew of a British racing yacht.
• They are supported by the DE&S Ships Support team, based at MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol.

“The Type 45 Destroyers are part of the backbone of the Royal Navy’s Air Defence capability. DE&S people work closely with the Royal Navy and the UK’s industrial engineering, support and supply bases to provide enduring support to these essential ships.”