In a landmark achievement, the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon successfully intercepted and destroyed a supersonic missile during Exercise Formidable Shield 2025 off the coast of Scotland. This marks the first time the Royal Navy has neutralized such a high-speed, maneuvering target, showcasing the advanced capabilities of its air defense systems.
The target missile, designed to emulate modern threats, executed complex corkscrew and weaving maneuvers at speeds exceeding Mach 4. HMS Dragon responded by launching a specially modified telemetry version of the Sea Viper missile, which successfully intercepted the target within seconds. The Sea Viper system integrates the Sampson radar and Aster missile systems, enabling precise tracking and engagement of fast-moving aerial threats.
