DSEI UK 2025 was honoured to host four visiting warships. The Royal Navy hosted two vessels, HMS Mercey, and HMS Example. They were joined alongside the FGS Sachsen from Germany, and the BNS Pollux from Belgium.
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HMS MERSEY
HMS MERSEY is a Batch 1 River-class Offshore Patrol Vessel, operated by a dedicated Ship’s Company of around 50 personnel under the Command of Lieutenant Commander Daniel Wardle. She plays a key role in the UK’s maritime security, delivering presence, reassurance and operational effect around the clock. N.B. Due to the recent high levels of silt in a section of the River Thames, HMS Iron Duke has been replaced with HMS Mersey. Iron Duke remains on regular tasking.
HMS EXAMPLE
HMS EXAMPLE is one of 16 Archer Class patrol boats operating within the Royal Navy’s Coastal Forces Squadron. Over the last year, EXAMPLE has participated in multi-national NATO exercises in the Baltic Sea, autonomous mine warfare taking, amphibious operations on the west coast of Scotland and ceremonial services in France.
FGS SACHSEN
Frigate SACHSEN is the first of class of German Navy’s SACHSEN
class of air-defence frigates. Commissioned in 2004, she is
equipped with the advanced multifunction radar APAR and the
long-range air surveillance radar SMART-L. With her Mk41 Vertical
Launch System, she is able to provide three layers of air defence
missiles (SM2, ESSM, RAM) in addition to a broad range of
weaponry in all domains.
She recently finished her work-up period, culminating in her
successful participation at Operational Sea Training in Plymouth.
Now, she is ready for national or NATO deployments ranging from
constabulary to high intensity operations.
class of air-defence frigates. Commissioned in 2004, she is
equipped with the advanced multifunction radar APAR and the
long-range air surveillance radar SMART-L. With her Mk41 Vertical
Launch System, she is able to provide three layers of air defence
missiles (SM2, ESSM, RAM) in addition to a broad range of
weaponry in all domains.
She recently finished her work-up period, culminating in her
successful participation at Operational Sea Training in Plymouth.
Now, she is ready for national or NATO deployments ranging from
constabulary to high intensity operations.
BNS POLLUX
BNS Pollux is part of the Belgian Navy contribution to the Belgian Coastguard structure. She mainly operates in the Belgian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and can be deployed in Europe. The vessel is engaged in non- NATO monitoring operations and with other contributors to the Coastguard structure, BNS Pollux conducts the following tasks: fishery and customs inspection, anti-pollution operations, MARPOL inspections and search and rescue operations at sea.
DSEI UK Zones
The DSEI UK Zones structure the show floor to effectively showcase every defence and security domain, fostering collaboration and innovation through exhibits, features, networking, and conference theatres.
