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Royal Navy Achieves First Supersonic Missile Interception in NATO Exercise

HMS Dragon successfully destroyed a Mach 4 sea-skimming missile during Exercise Formidable Shield 25, showcasing advanced air defense capabilities and allied integration.

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Overview

  • HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, intercepted a supersonic sea-skimming missile for the first time in Royal Navy history during a live-fire drill off the coast of Scotland.
  • The missile, traveling at Mach 4 with evasive corkscrew and weaving maneuvers, was destroyed using the Sea Viper missile system guided by the Sampson radar.
  • The test was part of Exercise Formidable Shield 25, involving 7,000 personnel from 11 NATO nations and focusing on air and missile defense readiness.
  • A telemetry variant of the Sea Viper missile was used to collect data for future operational enhancements, reflecting the UK’s £405 million investment in missile defense upgrades.
  • Royal Navy officials emphasized the milestone as proof of HMS Dragon’s cutting-edge air defense capabilities and its ability to operate seamlessly with NATO allies.