Royal Navy missile testing

The Royal Navy’s new air missile defence system has completed successful trials at the South Uist rocket range.

The weapon can intercept and destroy enemy missiles travelling at supersonic speeds and will form part of the protection for the nation’s new aircraft carriers.

The first firings of the Sea Ceptor were conducted from Type 23 frigate HMS Argyll off the Uist coast.

The weapon is intended to give the Royal Navy an improved shield against a new generation of supersonic anti-ship missiles, fast jets, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The short-range air defence missile is replacing the Sea Wolf missile system on the navy’s Type 23 frigates and will also be fitted to the Type 26 frigates.

The system uses a new UK-developed missile capable of reaching speeds three times the speed of sound while having the ability to deal with multiple targets simultaneously.

Minister for Defence Procurement Harriett Baldwin said: “Sea Ceptor will protect our interests against threats both known and unknown. It will launch from the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 frigates as they keep our nuclear deterrent submarines and the UK’s two new aircraft carriers safe on operations around the globe.

“Sea Ceptor supports 600 UK jobs and is yet another example of how our rising defence budget is being spent on cutting-edge kit to help our armed forces meet future threats.”

Royal Navy’s new missile tested at Uist rocket range

4 Sept 2017

MBDA Missile Systems

Royal Navy's new missile

HMS Argyll tested the missile using the South Uist rocket range facilities