Latest news with #HMSDauntless
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Daily Mail
They're keen for a bargain! 'SAS' troops are spotted abseiling from mysterious helicopters in front of stunned Tesco shoppers
Tesco shoppers were left stunned on Monday after sporting black-clad figures abseiling at speed from several helicopters - in an apparent military exercise. Footage shows the moment two dark blue and white helicopters appeared metres from the supermarket in Baguley, Manchester, this week. Ropes were dropped from both choppers before six figures, wearing black clothing bearing a similarity to military fatigues, took it in turns to abseil down them and onto a nearby roof. The figures then pulled the ropes from the helicopters, allowing them to fly off at speed. Experts suggested the footage could show a training exercise used by SAS soldiers - the Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment. Similar incidents have previously been spotted in other areas of the country, including in Wrexham and Salford. Just a day before the choppers were spotted in Baguley, a similar scene unfolded in Media City in Salford, where the BBC now films much of its output. Military helicopters were seen circling overhead before at least one landed on the roof of a car park at around 11.30pm. There were also reports of individuals 'roping down'. A witness told MEN: 'We had three or four Blue Thunder helicopters circling around Media City and landing on the car park next to Premier Inn. 'Quite unexpected in the middle of the night. There was also a lot of crew with gear on and ropes.' Blue Thunder is the nickname given to the Eurocopter Dauphin II helicopters, which is used by the SAS. Onlookers identified the helicopters seen in Baguley to also be Eurocopter Dauphin II aircraft. On the same night as the Salford choppers were seen, the same type of aircraft was also spotted over Wrexham, Wales. Witnesses described how the helicopters were flying low late in the evening, with all lights turned off. At the time, there were no public or private aircraft recorded on flight trackers. The Eurocopter AS365N3 Dauphin, a fast twin-engine helicopter, apparently modified for rapid insertion and extraction of special forces. Multiple arms of the UK military have been taking part in high-profile training exercises in recent weeks and months, as global tensions, such as those seen in the Ukraine war, rise. On April 2, one of Royal Navy's most fearsome warships was unleashed in a rare display of military power. HMS Dauntless let loose with almost every weapon system at the ship's disposal to destroy swarms of drones during a high-octane live-fire drill off the Welsh coast. The £1 billion Type 45 vessel and her 190-strong crew fended off attack after attack from unmanned aircraft and boats as they raced towards it. Helicopters armed with missiles blasted aircraft out of the sky, while ferocious machine guns on the ship, able to spew thousands of rounds a minutes, ripped into mock suicide drones. The action was part of the final round of drills before Dauntless joins a major deployment to Asia in the coming weeks protecting one of Britain's two £3 billion aircraft carriers. The voyage could take the carrier strike group through dangerous waters in the Red Sea - and into the sights of Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have threatened to blast warships with their Iranian-made missiles and drones. It means the heavily-armed destroyer - which is a critical part of the defensive shield protecting HMS Prince of Wales - may come under attack for real. The Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment.
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
HMS Prince of Wales leads show of military force as £3.5billion aircraft carrier spearheads fearsome fleet of warships in the Mediterranean - with crew ready to defy China over Taiwan
Britain's flagship aircraft carrier has been pictured for the first time spearheading one of the most fearsome battlegroups in recent history - which could soon clash with China 's military. HMS Prince of Wales has arrived in the warm waters of the Mediterranean, escorted by eight other warships as part of the UK's Carrier Strike Group (CSG). The 65,000-tonne leviathan - the biggest warship ever built for Britain - is on an eight-month deployment that will take her to the Far East and back. Jaw-dropping images have shown the vast £3.5billion vessel forming up with the majority of her task group as it approaches the Strait of Gibraltar. She is accompanied by the £1.6billion nuclear submarine HMS Astute, HMS Dauntless - an £1billion Type 45 destroyer touted by the Navy as one of the world's best air defence warships - and submarine-hunting frigate, HMS Richmond. Also part of the task group are British tankers RFA Tideforce and RFA Tidespring, which carry critical supplies to replenish the fleet at sea. New arrival to the fleet, Spanish frigate Méndez Núñez, Norwegian ships HNoMS Maud and HNoMS Roald Amundsen were also part of the breathtaking formation, which was captured by Royal Navy photographers from the air in a Wildcat helicopter. The maritime juggernaut is at the start of an eight-month global deployment, having left home shores last week. HMS Astute, pictured front, cuts through the waves with HMS Prince of Wales behind, following by HMS Dauntless - a Type 45 destroyer - and the Spanish frigate Méndez Núñez Between now and December, the mighty fleet will conduct a series of drills and operations with air, sea and land forces of a dozen allies in the Mediterranean, Middle East, South-east Asia, Japan and Australia. This is the second deployment of the UK's CSG. The first, led by HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2021, took place against the backdrop of a world in lockdown due to the Covid pandemic. The 2025 mission, known as Operation Highmast and commanded by Commodore James Blackmore and his staff from aboard HMS Prince of Wales, occurs with a changed world order and even more volatile geo-political situation. The goal is to reaffirm the UK's commitment to the security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific region, demonstrate collective resolve with our allies and showcase British trade and industry. Over the course of the deployment, upwards of 4,500 British military personnel will be involved, including nearly 600 RAF and 900 soldiers alongside 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines. But the mission could potentially see the naval flotilla clashing with China when it reaches contested waters in the Indo-Pacific. While the Government has not confirmed the precise route of 'Operation Highmast', the Navy has not ruled out sailing through the contentious 110-mile wide Taiwan Strait. The mission comes amid mounting fears that China is planning to launch a full-scale invasion of the island, with Beijing's military having already drilled huge D-Day style assaults of Taiwan using soldiers, marines, warships and its air force. Pictured (front row left to right) submarine HMS Astute, HMS Prince of Wales, Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless, and the Spanish frigate Mendez Nunez, (middle row left to right) RFA Tideforce, HNoMS Maud of the Royal Norwegian Navy, RFA Tidespring (back row left to right) HNoMS Roald Amundsen of the Royal Norwegian Navy and Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond. China has been rapidly expanding it's navy, building the equivalent of the entire Royal Navy in just four years - with the pace of shipbuilding outstripping even the US. And as tensions continue to intensify, the commander of the British-led carrier strike group has insisted the Royal Navy stands ready to defy China - and that it is prepared for any sort of military operation. 'I will deliver whatever mission I am ordered to go and do – that's my role,' a defiant Commodore James Blackmore said ahead of the UK task group's deployment. 'My part of the bargain is being ready for all eventualities from a combat capability, from a defence engagement capability, from a partners and allies capability, so I'm ready to exercise whatever the Government or the Ministry of Defence asks me to do.' There is even the risk it could find itself coming under missile or suicide drone attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen - which has already launched a number of assaults on vessels in the Red Sea. The strike group is expected to pass through the busy Middle Eastern shipping lane on its way to the Far East, after completing war drills in the Mediterranean with allies. A contingent of 18 UK F-35B jets will join the carrier, with that number increasing to 24 during the deployment. Also joining will be Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine helicopters from RNAS Culdrose and Merlin Mk4 Commando and Wildcat helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton, as well as an undeclared number of T-150 Malloy and Puma drones. Cdre Blackmore, 50, said the deployment would send a 'powerful message' to allies and potential adversaries about the UK's naval and air power. While he could not divulge the exact route the fleet would take while in the Indo-Pacific, he added there was a clear motive for being there. He said: 'It's about supporting key trade routes that exist from the Indo-Pacific region to the UK, and supporting partners and allies in the region, showing that we are there as a capable and credible force should it be required. 'That in a time of crisis, we can come together and fight together and show that we have a capability that we mean business with.' He added: 'Working closely with partners from across the globe, Operation Highmast will demonstrate credible deterrence and our support to Nato and the rules-based international order. 'This will reaffirm that the UK is secure at home and strong abroad and reinforce the UK's commitment to the Indo-Pacific.' However, Nato says the contested stretch of sea are international waters and that vessels have a right to freely navigate it. Despite this, the 2021 deployment of the UK Carrier Strike Group - spearheaded by HMS Prince of Wales's sister ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth - did not traverse the strait. It led to accusations from Tory MPs that Britain was seeking to cosy up to Beijing. Should the strike group again avoid the territory, similar accusations could arise. Just weeks ago, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, head of Britain's armed forces, met with top members of China's military during a low-key trip to the Asian superpower. The meeting, the first by a British Chief of the Defence Staff in a decade, led to speculation the Chinese had warned Adm Radakin to steer clear of the Taiwan Strait during the carrier strike group's mission to the Far East. The mighty carrier group is on an eight-month mission which will take it tot he Far East and back China insists it owns almost all of the South China Sea and that the Taiwan Straight falls into its territorial waters. Captain Will Blackett, commanding officer of HMS Prince of Wales, said: 'We have been training very, very hard for over a year now, and we're good to go. 'This ship is a fantastic machine, she's got amazing equipment - state of the art - and we're very proud to take her around the world.' Last week saw thousands of families and well-wishers line the harbour walls at Portsmouth to wave off HMS Prince of Wales and her escort ship, HMS Dauntless. Banners and flags were waved by members of the public from the walls and beach of Portsmouth harbour with sailors aboard the 65,000-tonne warship waving back to cheers from the crowds as they passed. In a tribute to the Pope Francis, HMS Prince of Wales's ensign flag on its flight deck was at half-mast as a 'sign of a respect' to the late pontiff, a navy spokesman confirmed.
Daily Mail
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Starmer debuts Trump-style 'Prime Minister' branded fleece as he follows in the fashion footsteps of Boris Johnson
Keir Starmer has debuted a 'Prime Minister' branded fleece - in an echo of US political styles. Sir Keir was pictured wearing the top on a visit to the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier yesterday. It is the first time since entering Downing Street last July that the premier has been spotted in a garment displaying his status. Although long favoured in the US - by the likes of JFK, George W Bush and more recently Donald Trump - British politicians have been cautious about adopting them. In 2008 Gordon Brown declined to take ownership of a personalised bomber jacket he was offered as a gift by Mr Bush during a trip to the States. However, Boris Johnson was regularly pictured wearing branded outfits, while Priti Patel donned a coat marked 'Home Secretary'. Sir Keir was accompanied on his visit to the flagship carrier yesterday by Defence Secretary John Healey, whose own fleece was marked 'Secretary of State'. The PM donned the personalised garment on board the Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier yesterday as it heads towards the Indo-Pacific The PM boarded the Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier as it heads towards the Indo-Pacific. The strike group will travel to the Mediterranean, Middle East, south-east Asia, Japan and Australia on an eight-month voyage, accompanied by escort ships from international allies. Sir Keir was shown F-35 jets on board the carrier in Plymouth, Devon. The Carrier Strike Group also includes destroyer HMS Dauntless and frigate HMS Richmond along with warships from Norway and Canada. The deployment comes as US President Donald Trump pushes for Nato allies to do more to provide their own defence. The £3billion carrier's journey to the Indo-Pacific is also aimed at demonstrating the UK's commitment to allies in the region nervous about China's actions in relation to Taiwan and disputed sea lanes. Around 4,000 UK military personnel from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF will join Operation Highmast, with allies from Spain and New Zealand also set to take part along with the Norwegian and Canadian personnel. A contingent of 18 UK F-35B jets will join the carrier in the days after departure, with that number increasing to 24 during the deployment. Also joining will be Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine helicopters from RNAS Culdrose and Merlin Mk4 Commando and Wildcat helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton, as well as T-150 Malloy and Puma drones.
The Independent
24-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Starmer warns of ‘new era' of global insecurity during HMS Prince of Wales visit
The Prime Minister has warned the world is in a 'new era' of global insecurity and uncertainty as he visited the UK's flagship aircraft carrier. Sir Keir Starmer met sailors, aviators, soldiers and Royal Marines onboard HMS Prince of Wales during an overnight stay as it heads towards the Indo-Pacific. The vessel, which set off from Portsmouth on Tuesday, will travel to the Mediterranean, Middle East, south-east Asia, Japan and Australia on an eight-month voyage, accompanied by escort ships from international allies. Speaking onboard the carrier, the Prime Minister said the mission showed the UK's 'leadership on global issues and security and defence' and was a sign of unity with allies, including Nato. 'We all know that the world is more uncertain than it felt a few months or years before – we're in a new era,' Sir Keir told broadcasters. During the tour, the Prime Minister, who was accompanied by Defence Secretary John Healey, watched from bridge as the F-35 warplanes were deployed. They were shown around by Vice Admiral Andrew Burns, fleet commander of the Royal Navy, Commodore James Blackmore, commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group, Captain Will Blackett RN, the commander of the aircraft carrier, and Captain Colin McGannity RN, commander of the Carrier air group. Sir Keir had spent the night onboard and told members of the crew he had been awoken at 2am by a siren which was part of a training exercise. He also spoke with crew members in the junior ratings' mess for breakfast where he was served a plate of baked beans and two slices of unbuttered white bread. The Prime Minister does not eat meat and used to be a vegetarian but is now a pescatarian, also eating fish. Meanwhile, the Defence Secretary tucked into bacon, sausage, two eggs and baked beans, accompanied by a large dollop of HP brown sauce. The Carrier Strike Group also includes destroyer HMS Dauntless and frigate HMS Richmond along with warships from Norway and Canada. The deployment comes as US President Donald Trump pushes for Nato allies to do more to provide their own defence. The £3 billion carrier's journey to the Indo-Pacific is also aimed at demonstrating the UK's commitment to allies in the region nervous about China's actions in relation to Taiwan and disputed sea lanes. Around 4,000 UK military personnel from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF will join Operation Highmast, with allies from Spain and New Zealand also set to take part along with Norwegian and Canadian personnel. Sir Keir said global insecurity was why the Government had committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product from April 2027. 'It's hugely important for the UK to play a leading role, as we are playing on this deployment,' he said. 'It shows our capability, it shows our sense of global leadership on defence and security, but also on trade and the economy – we're a free trading nation. 'The increased defence spending is the highest sustained increase since the Cold War. 'That's necessary, necessary for security and our defence as a country, but really important that is measured and felt in good, secure, well paid jobs across the country.' Indo-Pacific stability is also economically critical for the UK, with imports and exports in the region worth £286 billion – almost 20% of all UK trade. A contingent of 18 UK F-35B jets will join the carrier in the days after departure, with that number increasing to 24 during the deployment. Also joining will be Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine helicopters from RNAS Culdrose and Merlin Mk4 Commando and Wildcat helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton, as well as T-150 Malloy and Puma drones.
BBC News
24-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Starmer warns of 'new era' of global insecurity in defence visit
The Prime Minister has warned the world is in a "new era" of global insecurity and uncertainty as he visited the UK's flagship aircraft Keir Starmer met sailors, aviators, soldiers and Royal Marines onboard HMS Prince of Wales during an overnight stay as it heads towards the vessel, which set off from Portsmouth on Tuesday, will travel to the Mediterranean, Middle East, south-east Asia, Japan and Australia on an eight-month onboard the carrier, the Prime Minister said the mission showed the UK's "leadership on global issues and security and defence". "We all know that the world is more uncertain than it felt a few months or years before - we're in a new era," Sir Keir the tour, the Prime Minister, who was accompanied by Defence Secretary John Healey, watched from bridge as the F-35 warplanes were deployed. Sir Keir had spent the night onboard and told members of the crew he had been awoken at 02:00 BST by a siren that was part of a training also spoke with crew members in the junior ratings' mess for breakfast where he was served a plate of baked beans and two slices of unbuttered white Carrier Strike Group also includes destroyer HMS Dauntless and frigate HMS Richmond along with warships from Norway and deployment comes as US President Donald Trump pushes for Nato to do more to provide their own defence. The £3bn carrier's journey to the Indo-Pacific is also aimed at demonstrating the UK's commitment to allies in the region nervous about China's actions in relation to Taiwan and disputed sea 4,000 UK military personnel from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF will join Operation Highmast, with allies from Spain and New Zealand also set to take part along with Norwegian and Canadian Keir said global insecurity was why the government had committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product from April 2027. 'Necessary for security' "It's hugely important for the UK to play a leading role, as we are playing on this deployment," he said."It shows our capability, it shows our sense of global leadership on defence and security, but also on trade and the economy - we're a free trading nation."The increased defence spending is the highest sustained increase since the Cold War."That's necessary, necessary for security and our defence as a country, but really important that is measured and felt in good, secure, well paid jobs across the country."A contingent of 18 UK F-35B jets will join the carrier in the days after departure, with that number increasing to 24 during the joining will be Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine helicopters from RNAS Culdrose and Merlin Mk4 Commando and Wildcat helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton, as well as T-150 Malloy and Puma drones. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
