HMS Duncan’s response relied on a layered air and missile defence architecture typical of the Type 45 class. At long range, the Sea Viper system, combining multi-function and long-range radars with Aster family missiles, was exercised virtually against mock cruise and ballistic missile profiles. Closer in, the ship used her Phalanx automated gun, a 30 mm cannon, heavy machine guns and the 4.5-inch naval gun against live uncrewed surface vessels, aerial drones and simulated surface targets. The embarked Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron extended the defensive bubble with Martlet lightweight missiles, engaging fast and manoeuvring targets at ranges of up to six kilometres. Together, these layers formed a continuous engagement envelope against low, slow and fast-moving threats, reflecting the kind of multi-axis attacks now seen in several maritime theatres.
