Exeter was the first of the slightly modified 'Batch 2' Type 42 destroyers which had weapons and sensor upgrades with no discernible hull modifications.

Early in her first commission, Exeter had a turquoise hull on and below the waterline; this was an experimental co-polymer paint which was only available in a few non-standard colours at the time.

The light-blue 'boot topping' visible on the waterline was eventually repainted to standard brick red/black during her first docking period, after the Falklands War.

[2] During the conflict, Exeter shot down three Argentine aircraft (two A-4C Skyhawks on 30 May, and a Learjet 35A on 7 June; all with Sea Dart missiles).

She was alongside in Dubai for the Millennium and remained on station until relieved by a large Task Group led by the aircraft carrier Illustrious in February 2000, arriving back at Portsmouth the following month.