Because her modules were put together outside at BAE Govan, it was possible to complete more of her structure than her sister ship, Daring, which was launched from the covered facility at Scotstoun the previous year.

Upon completing her fitting out stage, HMS Dauntless sailed from the Clyde for the first time on 14 November 2008 to conduct sea trials, testing power and propulsion, weapons and communications systems.

[48] She conducted anti-piracy patrols, as well as provide escort to U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) which is involved in airstrikes against ISIL.

[50] In April 2016, The Independent stated that the vessel had been relegated to use as a training ship due to manpower and technical shortages, although this was disputed by the MOD at the time.

[52] In 2019 Dauntless underwent a regeneration refit in Portsmouth before sailing to Birkenhead in May 2020 [53] as the first Type 45 to have new generators fitted under the Power Improvement Project, work undertaken by Camel Laird, as subcontactor to BAE Systems.

[55] In September, the destroyer was involved in multiple operations that seized more than a tonne of cocaine from drug smugglers, worth over 200 million pounds.

[56] In September the destroyer also visited the territories of Anguilla, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands in order to assist local authorities in preparing for the climax of the hurricane season.