Working alongside the navies of Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand, Daring will shortly take part in Exercise Bersama Lima under the Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA).

The FPDA was established in 1971 and provides for defence co-operation between the five signatories.

But before the exercise gets underway Daring, and her Company, will have the opportunity to take part in a series of engagements underlining the UK’s commitment to the region.

Daring will host a Defence and Security Industry Day for leading UK defence companies as well as participate in community outreach projects.

Commander Angus Essenhigh, Commanding Officer of HMS Daring, said:

“The presence of a Royal Navy ship is indicative of our support to our regional partners and also shows the interest the Royal Navy has in maintaining our presence in the region.”

HMS Daring, and her 190 crew, left the UK in May and have already clocked up more than 18,000 miles carrying out engagements and exercises in Puerto Rico, Panama, San Diego, Hawaii and Australia before arriving in Singapore.

In Australia the 8,500 tonne Type 45 destroyer welcomed more than 12,000 visitors onboard at the spectacular 100th birthday celebrations of the Royal Australian Navy.

Continuing her deployment Cdr Essenhigh said it was a privilege to now be taking part in Exercise Bersama Lima alongside regional partners.

“It has been two years since the Royal Navy was last in Singapore, so it’s fantastic to be back and participating in such a high-profile exercise,” he said.

Press Release, November 01, 2013; Image: Royal Navy

HMS Illustrious has had to fend off a succession of attacks from Omani jets off the coast of Oman during the opening stages of the last major exercise by the UK’s amphibious task group east of Suez.

The veteran warship was expected not just to thwart the attackers, but put Royal Marines ashore on the sands of Oman during the eight-day exercise, Omani Cougar.

The Royal Omani Air Force provided some of the ‘opposition’, sending its Jaguar and Hawks to attack Illustrious – one of the ‘high value assets’ during the exercise which had to be protected at all costs.

As one of the largest vessels in the Fleet – 22,000 tonnes, nearly 650ft long – the helicopter carrier presented a substantial target to the attacking bombers.

Omani warships provided the outer layer of defence for the duration of the exercise – and proved to be extremely effective.

But to ensure the carrier’s weapons systems, gunners, stokers and bridge team were also tested, some of the bombers got through.

All four Olympus gas turbines were cranked up to full power – pushing the carrier through the Arabian Sea at over 28 knots.

In addition to evasive manoeuvres, the ship has automated and manual guns to knock aircraft and missiles out of the sky.

Illustrious’ most effective defensive shield are Goalkeepers, seven-barrelled Gatling Guns which can track up to 15 targets at the same time, deciding which ones are the most dangerous before engaging them at ranges up to 1,500 metres (just short of a mile).

“Over the course of Omani Cougar, we had air defence exercises almost every day,” said Lieutenant Commander Steve Munday, whose weapon engineering department is responsible for the ship’s weapon systems and sensors.

“The Jaguars were good as they fly in much faster than the Hawks we usually exercise with during training in the UK.”

As for the wider benefits of Omani Cougar, Illustrious’ Commanding Officer Capt Mike Utley said he’d been “tremendously impressed” by the eight-day workout.

“Our hosts planned a very-well-thought-out exercise to meet specific objectives, which they executed in a very professional manner indeed,” he added.

“It has been a genuine pleasure to meet so many of our Omani colleagues and strengthen our bonds with one of our closest allies.”

Royal Omani Navy ships Al Muazzar, Al Munassir, Al Najah, Al Sharqayah and Al Mussandam as well as a contingent from the Royal Omani Coastal Regiment joined Royal Navy vessels for the exercise, led by flagship HMS Bulwark, and supported by amphibious vessel RFA Mounts Bay.

Omani Cougar concluded with a large maritime and amphibious demonstration to high profile military figures from both countries including: General Sir Richard Barrons (Commander Joint Force Command) and Lieutenant General Simon Mayall (Defence Senior Advisor Middle East), as well as Jamie Bowden, Britain’s Ambassador to Oman.
Press Release, October 31, 2013; Image: Royal Navy