Wildcat helicopter milestone drone shoot-down using Martlet missile
Royal Navy Wildcat shoots down drone using Martlet missile for the first time
The Royal Navy’s Wildcat helicopter has shot down a drone using a Martlet missile for the first time, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) has said.
The Wildcat, operating from the Type 23 frigate HMS Portland, intercepted the drone during a live firing exercise in the Hebrides.
It is the first time that a Wildcat has successfully used the Martlet missile, a lightweight, short-range air-to-air missile designed to be used against small, manoeuvring targets such as drones and helicopters at close range.
The shoot-down of the drone is a significant milestone in the development of the Royal Navy’s ability to protect its ships and personnel from aerial threats.
Drones are becoming increasingly common on the battlefield, and they can be used to carry out surveillance, reconnaissance, and even attack missions. The Royal Navy needs to be able to defend against these threats, and the Wildcat’s successful shoot-down of the drone is a sign that it is developing the capabilities to do so.
The Martlet missile is a key part of the Royal Navy’s anti-drone defenses. It is a small, lightweight missile that can be fired from the Wildcat’s 30mm cannon. The missile has a range of up to 8 kilometers (5 miles) and can be used to destroy drones and other small, manoeuvring targets.
