'Major refit' for HMS Duncan as Royal Navy destroyer set to receive 'extensive upgrades', reports say
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The warship played a vital role within the UK Carrier Strike Group alongside HMS Prince of Wales during a recent deployment
A Royal Navy warship will undergo a ‘major refit’ soon after returning to Portsmouth over the weekend, reports say.
Defence specialist publication Navy Lookout reports that HMS Duncan will receive ‘extensive propulsion upgrades’. They added that ‘substantial improvements’ will be made to the warship’s air defence systems under the Power Improvement Project (PIP).
The Type 45 destroyer sailed to HMNB Portsmouth on September 6 after a visit to Denmark. Navy Lookout said the warship was de-ammunitioned in Scotland last week and de-storing will continue in Portsmouth before the ship is passed on to BAE Systems.
The PIP programme aims to address a design flaw in the Rolls-Royce WR-21 gas turbine intercooler unit, which is causing power issues on all six Daring-class warships. This work includes the installation of brand new engines.
These enhancements have been completed on HMS Dragon, Daring, and Dauntless. Work is currently ongoing HMS Defender and Diamond. It’s hoped all of the destroyers will be fully upgraded by 2028.
In the last update on the programme in December 2025, minister for defence readiness and industry Luke Pollard previously said: “HMS Duncan is operational, pending the start of her PIP upgrade, which will run concurrently with her next docking period at HMNB Portsmouth. We are unable to release further detailed information about the forward integrated PIP schedule and upkeep plans for the Type 45 Destroyers, as to do so could risk revealing future capability levels to our adversaries.”
HMS Dauntless has been active and conducting various training drills, with HMS Daring expected to return soon. HMS Duncan completed her last major deployment on July 24, where families and loved ones gathered in Old Portsmouth to welcome her home.
She played a vital role in phase one of Operation Firecrest, where the UK Carrier Strike Group headed up by - HMS Prince of Wales - conducted various drills with Nato allies in the North Atlantic and High North. This was in response to growing activity involving Russian ships and submersibles.