HMS Daring stars in Middle East naval showcase
HMS Daring has flown the flag for the Royal Navy - and UK industry - at the biggest naval showcase in the Middle East.
HMS Daring, with USS Carl Vinson in the background, en route to Qatar for the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference [Picture: LA(Phot) Caroline Davies, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]
Daring, Britain’s most advanced warship, is on her maiden deployment. She was joined by minehunter HMS Quorn in Qatar recently at the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX).
DIMDEX is the only exhibition focused on naval forces and coastguards in the Middle East and North African region. It attracts warships not only from those regions, but also from across the world; joining Daring and Quorn alongside were vessels from Australia, France, India, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the USA.
With Britain’s most advanced warship making her debut in the region, and at the show, Daring was considered the centrepiece of the exhibition and received visits from many British VIPs, including the Fleet Commander, Admiral George Zambellas.
Delegates from other nations flocked to the ship too, particularly interested in her air defence radars and Sea Viper missile system.
HMS Quorn in Qatar [Picture: LA(Phot) Caroline Davies, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]
As well as showing off the best of the Royal Navy, the two British ships were also flying the flag for United Kingdom trade and industry, reinforcing the fact that the UK is at the forefront of cutting-edge defence technology.
The visit also strengthened the UK’s defence relationship with host nation Qatar, a long-standing partner in the region.
Lieutenant Commander Amy Alexander, Daring’s Weapon Engineer Officer, said:
DIMDEX has been a great opportunity to meet naval forces from further afield - it’s an international event that attracts a wide audience.
Qatar runs a great exhibition and we were delighted to attend and show off our ship.
HMS Daring is now approaching the halfway stage of her maiden deployment, seven months east of Suez under the Combined Maritime Forces undertaking a wide range of maritime security operations including tackling piracy, smuggling, people-trafficking, terrorism and other criminal activities - as well as working with coalition and regional allies.