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HMS Dragon Type 45 Destroyer

HMS Dragon Type 45 Destroyer

Manufacturer: BAE Systems
Category: Naval Destroyers (Warships)
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Displacement ~8,500 tons
Maximum Speed 30+ knots
Radar Range 400+ km (estimated)
Vertical Launch Cells (VLS) 48

Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	HMS Dragon (D35)
Type / Role	Air Defense Destroyer
Manufacturer	BAE Systems Maritime
Country of Origin	United Kingdom
In Service	Yes
Year Introduced	2012
Unit Cost	~$1.2–1.5 Billion
Crew	~190

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	152.4 m
Beam (Width)	21.2 m
Draft	7.4 m
Displacement	~8,500 tons
Hull Material	Steel
Deck Configuration	Helicopter flight deck

3. Performance & Propulsion

Propulsion Type	Integrated Electric Propulsion
Engine Model	WR-21 Gas Turbine + Diesel Generators
Power Output	~40 MW
Maximum Speed	30+ knots
Range	~7,000 nautical miles
Endurance	45+ days

4. Sensors & Radar Systems

Primary Radar	SAMPSON AESA Radar
Radar Range	400+ km
Sonar System	Hull-mounted sonar
Electro-Optical / IR System	Advanced EO targeting system
Electronic Warfare Suite	UAT Mod 2
Fire Control Radar	Integrated with SAMPSON

5. Weapons & Armament

Main Gun	4.5-inch Mark 8 naval gun
Vertical Launch System (VLS) Cells	48 Sylver A50
Missiles	Aster 15 / Aster 30
Anti-Ship Missiles	Limited (upgrade-dependent)
Anti-Submarine Torpedoes	Sting Ray torpedoes
Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)	Phalanx CIWS
Decoy Systems	Chaff and flare systems

6. Aviation & Support

Helicopter Capability	Yes
Hangar Capacity	1 Merlin or Wildcat
UAV Operations	Limited
Flight Deck Size	Medium
Replenishment at Sea	Yes

7. Defensive & Electronic Systems

Countermeasures	Decoys, ECM
ECM / ECCM	Advanced EW suite
Missile Defense System	Sea Viper
Combat Management System	PAAMS CMS
Communication Systems	NATO-compatible

8. Operational Information

Service Branch	Royal Navy
Primary Operator	United Kingdom
Operational History	Carrier escort, NATO missions
Notable Feature	Advanced long-range air defense system

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.5

Technology 6 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10

PROS

Advanced AESA radar with high tracking accuracy
Long-range air defense with Aster missile system
High-speed interception capability
Integrated electric propulsion for efficiency
Strong NATO interoperability

CONS

High acquisition and maintenance costs
Limited strike capability compared to multi-role destroyers
Early propulsion reliability issues
Smaller VLS capacity than some U.S. counterparts
Heavy reliance on missile-based defense

HMS Dragon Type 45 Air Defense Destroyer

HMS Dragon is a modern air defense destroyer of the Royal Navy’s Type 45 class, designed to provide fleet-wide protection against advanced aerial threats. Built to counter high-speed missiles and aircraft, the platform represents the UK’s primary surface-based air defense capability. It combines advanced radar, missile systems, and integrated combat management to operate in high-threat maritime environments.

Manufacturer & Origin

HMS Dragon (D35) was built by BAE Systems Maritime in the United Kingdom as part of the Type 45 destroyer program. It entered service in 2012 and serves as a core asset for British carrier strike groups and NATO maritime operations.

Speed and Range

The vessel is powered by an integrated electric propulsion system using gas turbines and diesel generators. HMS Dragon can reach speeds exceeding 30 knots and has an operational range of approximately 7,000 nautical miles at cruising speed. Its endurance allows for extended deployments without frequent resupply.

Capabilities and Armament

The destroyer is equipped with the SAMPSON AESA radar and the Sea Viper air defense system. It carries up to 48 Sylver A50 vertical launch cells capable of firing Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles for short- to long-range interception. Additional armament includes a 4.5-inch naval gun, Phalanx CIWS, and torpedo systems for close-range defense.

Cost / Price

Each Type 45 destroyer, including HMS Dragon (D35), is estimated to cost around $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion, reflecting its advanced systems and air defense specialization.

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