The vessel is well-armed for its given role (the categorization of "destroyer" says it all). As a guided-missile destroyer, HMS Daring fits a 48-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS) containing 48 x surface-to-air missiles. Depending on the type of missile stored (Aster 15 or Aster 30 series or a combination of both), these weapons can reach out to targets some 2 to 120 kilometers away. The launch cells are backed by a more conventional deck gun fitting - a 4.5" BAE Systems Mk 8 Mod 1 series rapid-fire cannon - capable of engaging surface targets at range or supplying offshore bombardment. The cannon is a single-barrel system housed in an armored enclosure with traverse limited only by the superstructure aft of the VLS. HMS Daring fields an additional 2 x 30mm cannon arrangement as well as 2 x 20mm Phalanx close-in weapon systems (CIWS) for short-range work of aerial threats. Should the target make it beyond this defensive network, the crew can then call upon 2 x minigun systems as a final layer of defense. Up to 6 x 7.62mm general purpose machine guns are fitted about the vessel to defend from extremely close-range threats such as suicide boats. It is worth noting that HMS Daring is also configured to field a pair of AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile launchers (quad launchers) as well as the proven BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missile series. All told, HMS Daring is properly arranged to engage enemy strike aircraft, bombers, cruise missiles, enemy warships and submarines with equal lethality.
Beyond her array of physical armament, HMS Daring plays upon her electronics suite to gain the advantage in a given fight. Sensors include the SAMPSON multi-function air tracking radar system as well as the BAe/Thales S1850M series fully-digital Electronic Support Measures (ESM) 3D surveillance radar. Raytheon supplies the vessel's I- and E-/F-band radar systems while Ultra Electronics provides the Electro-Optical Gun Control System (EOGCS), a radar tracking suite and the MFS-7000 series sonar system. HMS Daring is also fitted with countermeasures in the way of the UAT 16 arrangement, the Surface Ship Torpedo Defense (SSTD) suite and the Airborne Sys IDS300 decoy system. All Type 45 vessels receiver the advanced Thales ESM system in early 2012.
With its helipad situated to the rear (as well as the enclosed hangar facility), HMS Daring can launch and retrieve 1 or 2 x Westland Lynx HMA 8 series navalized helicopters or 1 x Westland Merlin HM 1 medium-lift transport helicopter. Both types can be outfitted with anti-ship and anti-submarine measures to provide an over-the-horizon approach to dealing with potential threats. The hangar facility allows for repairs and maintenance to be conducted while at sea and the area is completely protected from the elements.
After her launch, HMS Daring was assigned to patrol the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden regions for prowling Somali pirates - a growing threat. The vessel became part of an international presence in East African waters seeking to contain the threat to commercial shipping in the region (oil being a primary concern) and, as such, the ship and crew worked in conjunction with allied navies. Beyond this action, HMS Daring's history is yet to be written in full.
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