In a historic first a Royal Navy destroyer has gunned down a supersonic missile off the coast of Scotland.
During a test, the HMS Dragon launched a specially-modified Sea Viper missile near the Hebridean islands at a high-speed target emulating the advanced technology used in war today.
The exercise was the first time the Royal Navy has faced the modern-day threat which flies faster and carries out corkscrew and weave manoeuvres.
Royal NavyJust two and a half seconds after firing from HMS Dragon’s silo, the Sea Viper missile accelerated to more than four times the speed of sound.
It then manoeuvred at G-forces which no human being could withstand, to close in and destroy the target.
The training operation is part of the largest live-firing exercise in Europe this year.
Royal NavyThe successful Sea Viper firing as part of Formidable Shield 25 is a huge moment for HMS Dragon,” Commander Iain Giffin, HMS Dragon’s Commanding Officer, said.
“Not only does it prove that Dragon’s world leading air defence capability functions as it should following an extensive maintenance period, but it also proves our ability to integrate and operate alongside NATO allies and partners.
“Training alongside ships, aircraft and land forces from 11 nations in this complex, multi-domain exercise ensures that we maintain our fighting edge against evolving Hi and Low-tech threats.”
The Formidable Shield joint training exercise sees naval forces battle against uncrewed air and surface systems, subsonic, supersonic and ballistic targets, bringing together allied ships and land-based air defences and air forces.
Almost every participant is due to launch missiles over the course of the month-long workout.
The first phase of the exercise, which involves nearly 7,000 personnel, took place at the Andøya firing range in Norway, before moving on to the Hebrides range.
The training exercise is due to end on May 31.
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