Latest news with #HMSDragon
Metro
09-08-2025
- Metro
I went inside the Navy's secret battlespace barely anyone knows about
Inside a darkened ops room, several banks of monitors have picked up three unknown aircraft bearing down on a group of Royal Navy ships. Onboard the heavily armed destroyer HMS Dragon, we have just seconds to assess the military-grade data and make a series of life-or-death calls. As Air Warfare Officer, the final say is down to me. While I correctly identify one of the rapidly approaching jets on a radar monitor blinking data at me to be a passenger plane, I've failed to act on another flying in from the sea to our west. The warplane fires a missile into one of the ships in the Carrier Strike Group — a group of Navy vessels providing mutual protection — causing significant damage and potential loss of life. This time, it's just a simulation. It's one of several scenarios — located near a generic coastline that looks vaguely like East Africa — where I'm given an operator's seat and headset at the secretive nerve centre run by BAE Systems in Portsmouth. The maritime battlespace simulator, named MIMESIS after the ancient Greek term for imitation, has a deadly serious aim: keeping the Navy well-drilled and ahead of its adversaries across the globe. I was one of the first journalists to be given a run-through of the 'synthetic' training — which is classified to the general public — used by all of the Navy's warfighters from rookies to admirals. It's the high-fidelity wargame that most people don't know exists, and it's being used to run scenarios ranging from attacks by drone swarms to 3,000mph cruise missiles that would otherwise be extremely complicated and costly to simulate in 'live' training. Technology yet to make it to the battlefield can also be experimented with. Earlier, I left my phone in a meeting room for security reasons and was taken to the ops room through the heart of the manufacturing plant, located in a nondescript building. We passed a workfloor where some of the latest maritime military technology — including an autonomous underwater vehicle and a 'Spearfish' heavyweight torpedo — was on display. HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, featured in the James Bond movie No Time to Die and there is a hint of Q and the advanced technology about the facility's hub during my visit on Wednesday. I'm accompanied by a team including BAE's solutions lead Paul Morris, a former Royal Navy Commander of 24 years' service, who explains that the crucial element is turning the vast reams of information available in modern warfare into actionable data. As I discover, a 'ghost in the machine' can also be added into the scenarios to keep the operators on their toes. In my case, it's the 'friend or foe' element. Cdr Morris demonstrates how to deal with the attacks, also including 'sea-skimmer' missiles a couple of metres above the water, calmly saying 'splash' over the radio when the threat has been eliminated. 'It gives you that focus on how quick and accurate you need to be and adds context onto it,' he says when we return to a meeting room. 'You want to be successful in your role but you also want to protect your mates, the people on the ships, and making sure you can defend them.' Richard Goldstone, business development lead and also a former Royal Navy commander, who has 31 years' service, adds: 'Everyone's job in the ops room is just as important and if one person does not do their job properly, the performance in the whole team dips. 'You're protecting your shipmates but you're also protecting a billion pounds worth of the UK's assets and that 'whole' ethos runs throughout the training. You fight to survive and to win, but there's a lot of jeopardy behind it if you don't do your job properly.' I ask Cdr Morris if the heightened threat environment in places like the Black Sea, where the UK is supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia, has sharpened minds in training. 'You can't be blind to what's going on in the wider world and the wider context of increasing threats, but I never really used to focus on one thing, because you always had to be prepared to go out and deal with what is presented to you,' he replies. 'I've been out on deployments where you tell yourself, 'it must be this we're going to deal with', and all of a sudden something else pops up. 'That is one of the great attributes of maritime forces, that flexibility, the inherent ability to move anywhere in the world and to deliver an effect no matter where you are. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'You prepare for the worst, but you don't know what's going to pop up.' Cdr Morris gives the example of British Navy ships on drugs patrols in the Caribbean in 1982, when they got the call to go to the Falklands to respond to the Argentinian invasion. Nick Benedeck, whose job is capturing new business, describes MIMESIS as 'like Esports on steroids' that can provide general skills while also recreating the type of places that the Navy is due to deploy in, down to the terrain, seabed and weather. 'We can prepare the specific environments, the geography, the adversaries that the Navy is going to face in a given theatre,' he says. Although there is no open world action such as in Call of Duty or Commandos — the visuals mirror real Navy systems — some of the development aspects do overlap with gaming and a couple of the specialists I see in the building look fresh out of university. The next step is for MIMESIS to be routinely used as part of 'live' training onboard Navy ships at sea, the team tells me. More Trending At present, the Navy has been responding to Russian military vessels, thought to include spy ships, in the English Channel and is operating in trouble spots including the Middle East and the Black Sea. Alongside Cdr Morris, I've had a safe introduction to the digital sandbox. But as I pull out of Portsmouth there's no escaping the sense that, for Navy personnel operating in an increasingly hostile and uncertain world, such critical decisions may one day have to be taken for real. Do you have a story you would like to share? Contact MORE: Metro goes onboard UK's 'Fighting Clan' warship tasked with deterring Putin's subs MORE: Secret lives of Bletchley Park worker and U-boat hunter revealed for first time MORE: Self-driving tanks being trialled by UK in vast computer simulation
Nahar Net
07-08-2025
- Business
- Nahar Net
Army chief ends visit to UK after meeting focused on defense and security
by Naharnet Newsdesk 07 August 2025, 14:30 The Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), General Rodolph Haykal attended the UK-hosted 'Dragon Group' between 4-5 August, accompanied by UK Defense Attaché to Lebanon Lt Col Charlie Smith, reinforcing the strong military partnership between Lebanon and the UK. The Dragon Group is a UK-led initiative launched in 2018 aboard HMS Dragon to bring together Chiefs of Defense from across the Middle Eastern region. Initially comprising nine nations, the group has evolved to reflect the region's broader security landscape. "Lebanon's inclusion this year underscores its strategic importance and longstanding partnership with the UK in promoting regional stability," the British Embassy in Beirut said Thursday in a statement. The ninth meeting took place in Edinburgh, Scotland, to coincide with the world-famous Military Tattoo. During his visit, Haykal met with the UK Chief of Defense Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and Chiefs of Defense from across the Middle East. "Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, regional security, and continued UK support for the LAF as the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon," the statement said. "This visit underscores the UK's commitment to Lebanon's stability and sovereignty. Since 2009, the UK has provided over £161 million in support to Lebanon's security institutions, including £106 million in direct assistance to the LAF through training, equipment, and infrastructure." Charge D'Affaires Victoria Dunne said: 'The visit of the Lebanese Army Commander General Haykal to the UK reflects the strength of our defense partnership and the UK's ongoing support for the Lebanese Armed Forces. We stand with Lebanon in its efforts to maintain peace, security, and sovereignty." UK Defence Attaché Lt. Col. Charlie Smith said: 'The Lebanese Armed Forces plays a vital role in Lebanon's and the region's stability. I am grateful for General Haykal's valuable contribution to this meeting of the Dragon Group. We are proud to work alongside the LAF supporting with training, kit and equipment. Our bilateral military cooperation remains strong and we reaffirm our commitment to their mission and capabilities."
ITV News
13-06-2025
- General
- ITV News
Find out why sailors have been taking to the streets of Wrexham in celebration
The HMS Dragon is based in Portsmouth but today, hundred of its sailors marched through Wrexham, to celebrate it being awarded the 'Freedom of the City.'
Leader Live
13-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
WATCH: HMS Dragon crew members parade through Wrexham
The crew of the Type 45 destroyer marched through the heart of the city centre before being hosted at an official reception to cement the bond. The ship was adopted by Wrexham last summer and civic leaders promptly bestowed their highest honour upon the Portsmouth-based warship and her ship's company. (Image: Newsquest) Their hectic schedule – which included a milestone first takedown of a supersonic missile by the Royal Navy during NATO exercises off the coast of northwest Scotland in May – has prevented the ship's company from exercising their right until now, although some sailors were able to take part in Wrexham's Remembrance events. Since then, when Dragon's demanding programme has allowed, the 200-strong ship's company had been preparing for the hometown visit, including undertaking specific drill training to reach the highest standards required for the march. 'Today is a proud moment for HMS Dragon and a fitting opportunity to demonstrate the professionalism of our sailors, marching in full ceremonial dress, with drums beating, flags flying and bayonets fixed, as a mark of respect and gratitude to the people of Wrexham." (Image: Newsquest) Gresford councillor Jeremy Kent said: "Today, we were incredibly proud to welcome 156 members of HMS Dragon's ship's company to Wrexham as they exercised their Freedom of the City and County Borough — an honour that reflects the deep and lasting bond between the Royal Navy and our community. "With bayonets fixed, drums beating, and colours flying, the parade through our city centre was a stirring sight and a powerful reminder of the dedication and service of our armed forces. (Image: Newsquest) MORE NEWS: "As a member of Wrexham County Borough Council, I was honoured to stand alongside residents, veterans, and fellow councillors to show our gratitude and respect." He added: "Thank you to HMS Dragon for your service — and for bringing such pride to Wrexham today." In being named Freemen of Wrexham, the sailors are in select company, including Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Leader Live
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Road closures confirmed for HMS Dragon parade
Watched by local dignitaries – and hopefully many local residents – the crew of the Type 45 destroyer will march through the heart of the city centre before being hosted at an official reception to cement the bond. Ahead of the parade the ranks will be inspected by Wrexham's Mayor Councillor Tina Mannering, who will also take the salute of the marching sailors at Queens Square alongside Commanding Officer Commander Iain Giffin. Commander Iain Giffin said: 'There is no greater honour that a city can bestow than the Freedom of the City and I humbled that Wrexham has extended this privilege to HMS Dragon. HMS Dragon Ship (Image: Wrexham Council) 'Today is a proud moment for HMS Dragon and a fitting opportunity to demonstrate the professionalism of our sailors, marching in full ceremonial dress, with drums beating, flags flying and bayonets fixed, as a mark of respect and gratitude to the people of Wrexham.' Cllr Mannering, said: 'It will be a tremendous honour to take the salute of the sailors as they march through the city, and I hope as many people as possible will turn out to support the parade. 'This will be a fantastic occasion, as we celebrate our wonderful partnership with HMS Dragon.' Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones, added: 'Wrexham has always been proud of its links with the armed services and it will be wonderful to welcome the crew to the county borough, so they can celebrate the Freedom of the City. 'HMS Dragon is the first ship affiliated with Wrexham since the Second World War, and we are tremendously proud of this very special relationship.' The sailors will march onto Llwyn Isaf green (outside the Guildhall) at 10.40am, before marching through the city centre. In being named Freemen of Wrexham, the sailors are in select company including Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. There will be some temporary road closures and access restrictions in place from 10.55am on the day (Friday June 13), including… Chester Street closure There will be a full road closure on Chester Street until 11.15am. During this time, there will be no vehicle access to the following locations via Chester Street: Guildhall Waterworld Memorial Hall Wellbeing Hub Crown Buildings Library Courts Additionally, no vehicles will be able to exit the Guildhall or Library car parks during this period. The remainder of the parade route will be managed via rolling road closures, meaning traffic will be temporarily stopped as the parade passes. This disruption should last approximately 10 to 15 minutes per location. MOST READ During this time, there will be no vehicle access through the city centre bollards – this includes taxis, church access and other usual exceptions. The ship was adopted by Wrexham last summer and civic leaders promptly bestowed their highest honour upon the Portsmouth-based warship and her ship's company. Their hectic schedule – which included a milestone first takedown of a supersonic missile by the Royal Navy during NATO exercises off the coast of northwest Scotland in May – has prevented the ship's company from exercising their right until now. Since then, when Dragon's demanding programme has allowed, the 200-strong ship's company have been preparing for the hometown visit, including undertaking specific drill training to reach the highest standards required for the march.
