Dutch frigate takes down drone swarm in exercise 32 km off the British coast

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Dutch frigate downs drone swarm in exercise 32 km off the British coast
Dutch frigate downs drone swarm in exercise 32 km off the British coast (X @NavyLookout)

The Dutch frigate HNLMS Evertsen downed a drone swarm during the Sharpshooter Exercise, held off the coast of Wales.

The activity marked the Royal Netherlands Navy’s debut in the QinetiQ training series, combining real and virtual threats to simulate high-complexity scenarios about 32 km off the British coast.

The exercise integrated Banshee Whirlwind aerial drones, Hammerhead unmanned surface vehicles, and synthetic threats representing missiles and hostile aircraft. The scenarios, developed by Inzpire, aimed to replicate the defense of critical assets under contested conditions, increasing realism and operational pressure on the crews.

Over the three days of operations, the HNLMS Evertsen engaged five aerial drones and neutralized two surface targets, strengthening allied readiness and interoperability. QinetiQ highlights that Sharpshooter is part of a continuing multidomain training effort in 2025, aligned with the UK’s long-term partnership agreement, with support at 16 bases across the country.

Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @NavyLookout | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team

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