Decommissioning date set for HMS Dragon and fellow Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers amid Iran war - when

Type 45 destroyers are due to be decommissioned in the late 2030s. The Daring-class has run into various issues despite being highly capable platforms, largely revolving around propulsion failures.

In response to a parliamentary written question from Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, minister for defence readiness and industry, Luke Pollard, said: “On current plans, the last Type 45 Destroyer will retire from service by the end of 2038. The Royal Navy does not release out of service dates for individual ships.”

The Royal Navy will be hoping to avoid the current situation with its frigates. Despite ongoing construction of five general purpose frigates, Type 31s, and eight anti-submarine warships, Type 26s. the first of them will not be ready until the late 2020s at the earliest.

Predecessor duke-class Type 23 vessels were commissioned throughout the 1990s and earlier 2000s, serving the UK for decades but struggling to stay in service. Replacements for the destroyers have yet to be announced.

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Reports in the national press have cast doubt on the Type 83 destroyer programme, which could be delayed for financial reasons. Even though detailed plans about the warships are still to be decided, Commodore Michael Wood, Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for the programme in Navy Command, previously described them as being an evolution of the Type 45.

Further decisions will be made in the Defence Investment Plan, which aims to set the financial parameters for reforms in the Strategic Defence Review. This has yet to be published and has been delayed since the autumn of last year.

HMS Dragon is the only Daring-class currently deployed - operating in the eastern Mediterranean in response to the war in Iran. HMS Dauntless and Duncan are in maintenance, while HMS Diamond, Defender, and Daring, are on the side-lines so Power Improvement Project (PIP) can be installed. HMS Daring has not been to sea for more than 3000 days.

The enhancements will see brand new engines installed and other modifications. A DragonFire laser weapon system will also be fitted to the vessels in the future.

Lord Coaker, Labour’s defence peer in the House of Lords, said: “The UK Government is committed to accelerating the development, testing, production, and installation of the DragonFire high energy laser system. The UK remains on track to become the first European NATO nation to bring advanced laser directed energy technology into service. Two major periods of firing trials, conducted successfully in 2025, have been instrumental in advancing the system's readiness for service and operational capability.

“In November 2025, the Ministry of Defence awarded a contract to MBDA for the delivery of the first two DragonFire units, with the first of these scheduled for installation on a Type 45 destroyer in 2027, five years earlier than originally planned. This programme exemplifies the MoD's commitment to supporting British technical excellence and rapidly integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance the capabilities of our Armed Forces.”