The Dutch Navy has conducted live-fire drills off the UK coast to practice countering simulated swarm attacks during Exercise Sharpshooter.

Over a three – day drill, the Dutch frigate HNLMS Evertsen operated 32 kilometers (20 miles) off the Welsh coast, where it tracked and neutralized five aerial targets and sank two surface vehicles.

QinetiQ, a provider of test and training solutions for the UK military, provided aerial and surface unmanned targets, including the Banshee Whirlwind drone, the Hammerhead unmanned surface vehicle, and virtual drone threats.

The scenario simulated the defense of critical assets against cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as enemy aircraft, integrating live and virtual threats to test operational procedures from detection to engagement.

QinetiQ said this was the first time a NATO ally had participated in Exercise Sharpshooter, a UK – run program that tests naval and aerial defense through live and simulated scenarios.

“With interoperability between nations more important than ever, these exercises give the UK and its allies the opportunity to train alongside each other, sharing tactics and learnings to improve readiness,” Chief Executive of UK Defence at QinetiQ Will Blamey stated.

“By blending live and synthetic training with advanced capabilities, we help allied forces stay battle – ready and make confident decisions in a fast-changing threat environment.”

QinetiQ’s Role
QinetiQ operates 16 sites across the UK under its Long – Term Partnering Agreement, supporting exercises across land, sea, and air.

Exercise Sharpshooter follows earlier training events, including HMS Dauntless neutralizing drone swarms in the UK and NATO’s Exercise Med Strike in the Mediterranean.

QinetiQ also supported Exercise Formidable Shield off Scotland, involving 11 allied nations in combined operations against drone, ballistic, and supersonic missile threats.

• The Defense Post