Daring vs Horizon
Daring vs Horizon at a glance — displacement 7,350 vs 7,050 tons, length 152 vs 152 m, speed 32 vs 29 knots, crew 191 vs 236.
| Daring | Horizon | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Destroyer | Destroyer |
| Type | Guided-missile destroyer | Air-defense destroyer |
| Manufacturer | BAE Systems Maritime – Naval Ships | Horizon Sas |
| Year introduced | 2009 | 2007 |
| Number built | 6 units | 4 units |
| Estimated unit price | $1,300 million | $1,500 million |
| Displacement | 7,350 tons | 7,050 tons |
| Maximum speed | 32.0 knots | 29.0 knots |
| Range | 7,000 nm at 18 knots | 6,100 nm at 18 knots |
| Length | 152.4 m | 152.9 m |
| Beam | 21.2 m | 20.3 m |
| Crew | 191 | 236 |
| Daring | Horizon | |
|---|---|---|
| Armament |
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| Propulsion | 2 shafts integrated electric propulsion with 2 × Rolls-Royce WR-21 gas turbines (21.5 MW each) and 2 × Wärtsilä 12V200 diesel generators (2 MW each) or 3 × MTU 4000 series diesel generators (3 MW each) | CODOG scheme: 2 × GE/Avio General Electric LM2500 Plus TAG, 20.500 kW (27.491 hp) each; 2 × diesel engines SEMT Pielstick 12PA6 STC 4.320 kW (5.793 hp) each |
Detailed Comparison
The Daring-class (Type 45) and Horizon-class destroyers share a lineage in the Horizon Common New Generation Frigate (CNGF) program. Following the United Kingdom's 1999 withdrawal due to divergent requirements, France and Italy finalized the Horizon design, while the UK developed the Daring class. Both platforms serve as the primary fleet air-defense assets for their respective navies, utilizing variants of the Principal Anti Air Missile System (PAAMS).
Development and Design
The Daring class comprises six vessels commissioned between 2009 and 2013, displacing 7,350 tons. The Horizon class consists of four units (two French, two Italian), commissioned between 2007 and 2009, displacing 7,050 tons. While dimensionally similar with lengths of approximately 152 meters, the Type 45 design emphasizes automation, resulting in a crew of 191 compared to 236 on the Horizon. Unit costs are estimated at $1,300 million for the Type 45 and $1,500 million for the Horizon. The UK plans to replace the Daring class with the Type 83 destroyer in the late 2030s.
Weapons and Sensors
Both classes utilize a 48-cell Sylver A50 Vertical Launching System for Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles. The UK variant (Sea Viper) integrates the S1850M long-range radar with the SAMPSON multi-function radar, whereas the Horizon pairs the S1850M with the EMPAR phased array. The Type 45 is scheduled to add 24 Sea Ceptor silos to increase missile density. For Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), the Horizon retains hull-mounted sonar and torpedo tubes; the Daring lacks ship-mounted torpedoes, relying on embarked Wildcat or Merlin helicopters. Surface engagement on the Type 45 utilizes a 4.5-inch gun and Naval Strike Missiles, while Horizon employs 76mm guns and Exocet (France) or Teseo (Italy) missiles.
Propulsion and Performance
The Type 45 employs Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP) powered by Rolls-Royce WR-21 gas turbines. This system allows flexible power distribution but experienced intercooler failures in high-temperature environments, necessitating a diesel generation upgrade. The Horizon utilizes a conventional Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) arrangement with General Electric LM2500 turbines. The Type 45 achieves a range of 7,000 nm at 18 knots with a maximum speed of 32 knots, exceeding the Horizon's 6,100 nm range and 29-knot top speed.
Deployment and Combat Record
Both classes operate in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea. In late 2023 and early 2024, the Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond intercepted multiple drones and a ballistic missile in the Red Sea, marking the first combat ballistic missile interception by the Royal Navy. Horizon vessels serve primarily as escorts for the Charles de Gaulle and Cavour carrier groups.
Conclusion
The Daring class represents a specialized air-defense platform with higher kinematic performance and the SAMPSON radar system, though its advanced propulsion architecture required mid-life rectification. The Horizon offers a conventional multi-role configuration, retaining integral ASW weaponry and standard mechanical propulsion, but fielding a larger crew and lower electrical generation capacity.