Overview

• A Maritime Sniper Team from 42 Commando disabled a fleeing high‑speed skiff by striking its outboard engine with a single .50 calibre round from a Wildcat helicopter.
• The action followed a dawn patrol in the Gulf of Oman where HMS Lancaster’s Wildcat identified three skiffs and the ship’s Peregrine RWUAS covertly maintained visual contact.
• Two skiffs were abandoned after crews threw cargo overboard at more than 40 knots, and the third was stopped, allowing recovery of more than 1.5 tonnes of heroin, crystal methamphetamine and hashish.
• Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, HMS Lancaster’s commanding officer Commander Sam Stephens and Wildcat pilot Lt Guy Warry praised the precision, training and coordination of the operation.
• HMS Lancaster’s bust is its second major 2025 seizure under Operation Kipion, with the Type 23 frigate expected to return to the UK to decommission later this year.