- Yes
- No
HMS Defender - The Up Armoured Shield of the Fleet.
Greets everyone im Duckmartin, today i would like to propose the addition of the Royal Navy’s Type 45 Daring class destroyer, specifically HMS Defender (D36), in her latest and most capable form. With the implementation of the Power Improvement Project (PIP) and the ongoing Sea Viper Evolution (SVE) upgrades, this vessel would represent the pinnacle of modern naval anti-air warfare and provide a unique, top-tier experience for the Royal Navy in War Thunder.
Background.
The Type 45 Destroyer, also known as the Daring-class, is a class of six guided missile destroyers built for the Royal Navy. They were designed specifically for anti-air and anti-missile warfare, and are considered some of the most advanced warships ever built for the UK. The class is centered around the Sea Viper Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS), which uses the powerful SAMPSON multi-function radar (the distinctive “spinning egg” atop the main mast) and the S1850M long-range radar. This system can track hundreds of targets simultaneously and provides a protective shield for a task group against saturating air attacks.
HMS Defender (D36) - A Brief History.
HMS Defender is the fifth of the six Type 45 destroyers. She was launched in 2009 and commissioned in 2013.After completing her sea trials, HMS Defender quickly became an active part of the Royal Navy fleet. Her maiden deployment was to the Middle East for nine months in 2014. During this period, she worked with a US Carrier Task Group, demonstrating the Type 45’s ability to seamlessly integrate into allied naval operations. This deployment was widely considered a success, with the ship and crew receiving praise for their operational capability. Throughout her service, she has been deployed globally, participating in various operations from anti-piracy patrols to carrier escort duties.
One of HMS Defenders most notable and widely publicized events occurred in June 2021 when she conducted a “freedom of navigation” passage through waters near Crimea. This resulted in a tense standoff with the Russian Navy and Air Force, with the Russians claiming to have fired warning shots and dropped bombs in her path. The UK Ministry of Defence denied these claims, stating that the ship was conducting an innocent passage through Ukrainian territorial waters and that only verbal warnings and shadowing by Russian vessels and aircraft occurred. This incident underscored the geopolitical importance of naval presence and the role of warships in asserting international law.
HMS Defenders identification.
Pennant Number: D36
Motto: “Defendendo vinco”
This is a Latin phrase that translates to “By defending I win.”
Current Status.
HMS Defender is currently undergoing her refit as part of the wider Power Improvement Project (PIP). This upgrade is designed to enhance the reliability of the ship’s propulsion system. As mentioned in the previous response, this refit also includes significant armament and systems upgrades, such as the addition of the Sea Ceptor missile system upgraded Aster 30 block 1s and the Naval Strike Missile, which will make her even more capable for her future deployments.
As of 22nd August 2025 HMS Defender is out of dry dock and is still currently going through her refit but her sea ceptor missile cells have now been installed.
HMS Defender Specifics Post Refit.
This suggestion focuses on HMS Defender as she will be configured following her current refit, which is expected to be completed in the near future. This configuration is a significant step up from the initial Type 45 design.
General Characteristics.
Displacement: 8,000–8,500 tonnes (full load)
Length: 152.4 m
Beam: 21.2 m
Draught: 7.4 m
Speed: In excess of 30 knots
Range: In excess of 7,000 nautical miles (13,000 km) at 18 knots
Complement: 191 up to 285
Power and Propulsion.
System: Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP)
Gas Turbines: 2 x Rolls-Royce WR-21 gas turbines, each 21.5 MW (28,800 shp)
Diesel Generators: 3 × MTU 20V 4000 diesel generators 3.6 MW each
Electric Motors: 2 x GE Power Conversion Advanced Induction Motors, each 20 MW (27,000 shp)
Propulsion: 2 shafts with controllable pitch propellers
Armament.
1 x 4.5 inch (114mm) Mark 8 naval gun.
48 - cell Sylver A50 Vertical Launch System (VLS) armed with 48 Aster 30 block 1s with block 1 NT possiblity in the future.
24-cell VLS for CAMM (Common Anti-air Modular Missile), also known as Sea Ceptor.
Naval Strike Missile (NSM) for anti ship and is even able to hit land targets.
2 x Phalanx Block 1B 20mm CIWS.
2 x DS30M Mk 2 30mm guns.
2 x Browning M2 .50 caliber Heavy Machine Guns.
6 × L7A2 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs).
Sensors and Electronics.
Sampson AESA Radar - The “spinning egg” radar, providing 360-degree, long-range air and surface search. This is the central component of the Sea Viper system, capable of tracking hundreds of targets and guiding multiple missiles simultaneously.
S1850M Radar: Long-range air surveillance radar.
Sonar: Ultra Electronics/EDO MFS-7000 sonar
Electronic Warfare & Decoys: Seagnat, Naval Decoy IDS300
Aircraft.
Hangar & Flight Deck: The ship can accommodate and operate one or two helicopters, from the Wildcat to a Merlin helicopter.
Proposed Tier and BR.
Given the HMS Defender’s latest refit, it would likely be a high-tier vessel in the naval tech tree. Its significant missile armament and advanced systems would place it at or near the top of the British navel tech tree. A plausible BR for the refitted HMS Defender would be 7.7 or higher. And as for tier obviously it would be tier 5 are even higher.
Concluding Statement.
The type 45 destroyer HMS Defender (Post-Refit) represents a modern pinnacle of naval warfare. Its unparalleled air-defense capabilities would introduce a dynamic new element to high tier naval battles, making it a compelling and much needed addition to the Royal Navy’s tech tree. Its unique weapon systems and well documented refit make it an ideal candidate for a future War Thunder update. And personally i would absolutely love to see her in game in her lastest refit version, but i could see her in the game in 3 versions.
Version 1 - basically just guns her 4.5 inch gun, 2 x 20mm phalanx and 2 x 30mm auto cannons 2 x 50 cals and 6 x gpmg.
Version 2 - Sea ceptor which is coming in the new update so would be ok to add and its 4.5 inch gun, 2 x 20mm phalanx and 2 x 30mm auto cannons 2 x 50 cals and 6 x gpmg.
Version 3 - basically everything with there full capabilities including Aster 30 Block 1.
Sources
HMS Defender (D36) | Royal Navy https://share.google/OxyTSsVTEYBw5ISrl
HMS Defender fitted with Sea Ceptor missile silo - Navy Lookout https://share.google/KBGHpnTY7zfv6s5cx
Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament https://share.google/KxMiOKd4ojunIL4mg
In focus: The Power Improvement Project for the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers - Navy Lookout https://share.google/gCJvHveDu19mG6p3I
Work starts on decade-long £405m revamp for Sea Viper https://share.google/tX2Gphw4dyuH3vvPt
Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament https://share.google/B5oBL0t2bYaYh0Ju0