The frigate HNLMS Evertsen of the Royal Netherlands Navy shot down several drones during the Sharpshooter exercise off the coast of Wales, according to UK Defence Journal.
The live-fire exercise took place over three days at the MOD Aberporth test range, operated by QinetiQ on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence under the Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA).
The scenario involved simulated swarm attacks using Banshee Whirlwind aerial drone targets from QinetiQ and its uncrewed surface vessels Hammerhead, along with synthetic threats integrated into the exercise environment.
According to QinetiQ, the Dutch warship successfully tracked and neutralized five aerial targets and struck and sank two uncrewed Hammerhead surface vessels during the exercise.
“HNLMS Evertsen and the Royal Netherlands Navy are grateful to have trained at such an immersive level,” said Commander Marcel Keveling of the Royal Netherlands Navy.
“Being able to fire at live targets and keep our crew at a heightened state of readiness for several days taught us many lessons that we intend to carry with us when operating at an operational level.”
“Especially in today’s constantly changing world, we believe it is important to train as realistically as possible — this exercise was an excellent example of that,” Keveling added.
The threat scenario was designed by Inzpire, owned by QinetiQ, and required the defense of critical assets in contested waters. Live targets were mixed with synthetic representations of cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and hostile aircraft, testing the ship’s procedures from detection to engagement.
“By blending live and synthetic training with advanced capabilities, we help allied forces remain battle-ready and make confident decisions in a rapidly evolving threat environment,” said Will Blamey, Managing Director UK Defence at QinetiQ.
Photo: X @NavyLookout. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
