Royal Navy's Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan departs from Portsmouth for 6 month mission in Mediterranean.

According to information published by the UK MoD on June 20, 2023, the Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan has embarked from Portsmouth for a six-month mission in the Mediterranean, where it will lead an international task force.
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Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan. (Picture source: UK MoD)

As the flagship of NATO's Standing Maritime Group 2, the destroyer will oversee around half a dozen warships patrolling from the Pillars of Hercules to the Bosphorus, ensuring peace, security, and safety across the Mediterranean.

This is the third time in five years that the Duncan, the UK's newest destroyer built to protect the Fleet from missile and air attacks, has joined the established NATO group. This deployment marks its first mission since a significant overhaul at its home base, followed by extensive regeneration to prepare it for frontline duties.

The destroyer's recent period of regeneration concluded with a stint in the Mediterranean earlier this year, participating in exercises off Toulon alongside France's flagship carrier, FS Charles de Gaulle. Preparations for the NATO mission have been ongoing, culminating in a rededication service in Portsmouth last month.

About the destroyer

The Type 45, or Daring-class destroyer, is a significant naval vessel with a displacement between 8,000 to 8,500 tons. She has a length of 152.4 meters, a beam of 21.2 meters, and a draught of 7.4 meters.

The ship is powered by two Rolls-Royce WR-21 gas turbines each delivering 21.5 MW and two Wärtsilä 12V200 diesel generators each producing 2 MW. Propulsion is provided by two shafts with integrated electric propulsion, each with Converteam electric motors delivering 20 MW.

The Type 45 can exceed speeds of 30 knots and has a range in excess of 7,000 nautical miles at 18 knots. She can accommodate a crew of 191, with enough space for up to 235.

Her robust sensor and processing systems include the SAMPSON multi-function air tracking radar, the S1850M 3-D air surveillance radar, Raytheon's integrated bridge and navigation system, and several other sophisticated systems.

The vessel's armament comprises anti-air missiles like the PAAMS air-defense system with a 48-cell Sylver Vertical Launching System for Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles.

She is also armed with anti-ship missiles like the Harpoon missile, a 4.5-inch Mark 8 naval gun, two DS30B Mk 1 30 mm guns, 20 mm Phalanx CIWS, 7.62 mm Miniguns, and general-purpose machine guns.

The Type 45 can carry 1-2 Lynx Wildcats armed with anti-ship missiles or anti-submarine torpedoes, or one Westland Merlin armed with anti-submarine torpedoes. The destroyer's aviation facilities include a large flight deck and an enclosed hangar.