HMS Diamond has destroyed multiple attack drones with her guns and her Sea Viper missiles in the Red Sea.

The Iranian-backed Houthi faction launched unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles targeting international shipping lanes frequented by merchant vessels.

The unified action comprised HMS Diamond, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS Gravely (DDG 107), USS Laboon (DDG 58), and USS Mason (DDG 87), resulting in the downing of eighteen UAVs, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile, with air support from F/A-18s embarked on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

U.S. Central Command said:

“On Jan. 9, at approximately 9:15 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthis launched a complex attack of Iranian designed one-way attack UAVs (OWA UAVs), anti-ship cruise missiles, and an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Southern Red Sea, towards international shipping lanes where dozens of merchant vessels were transiting.

Eighteen OWA UAVs, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile were shot down by a combined effort of F/A-18s from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS Gravely (DDG 107), USS Laboon (DDG 58), USS Mason (DDG 87), and the United Kingdom’s HMS Diamond (D34). This is the 26th Houthi attack on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea since Nov. 19. There were no injuries or damage reported.

On Jan. 3, 14 countries, including the U.S., issued a joint statement stating, “The Houthis will bear the responsibility for the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, or the free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways.”

This isn’t new for HMS Diamond, the warship had previously downed a Houthi attack drone fired at merchant shopping.

This comes after British owned vessels were attacked with drones launched by Houthi militants in Yemen. Recently, shipping firms Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk announced a suspension of all container shipments through the Red Sea until further notice amid Houthi attacks on commercial vessels.

British warship shoots down attack drone

George Allison
George Allison
George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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155 COMMENTS

  1. “This isn’t new for HMS Diamond, the warship had engaged and down a Houthi attack drone fired at merchant shopping.”
    Why pick on merchants when they’re shopping? Disgraceful, I say!
    😃

    • The cost disparity isn’t really a problem until the rate of consumption of missiles starts to seriously mess with the replacement schedule i.e. – the missiles all have a finite shelf life due to the degradation of propellant and explosive fills, so if they don’t get used they eventually need replacing anyway.

    • It does seem a poor return until you factor in the costs of allowing vital shippping being sunk, damaged, rerouted etc before even considering the human casualties. Cheaper anti drone measures always welcome.

    • Yes, as a French warship she has already hoisted the white surrender flag and sailed to Yemen to be handed over to the Houthis.
      Either that or she has promptly fled as the area is turning a little bit too hot.
      I’m joking of course.

          • Well, I find it funny, that’s probably because I am not from a generation that finds everything offensive and triggering and simply doesn’t know how to laugh….

            We have been winding up the French and they have been (trying) to wind us up for years in good humour, no one needs to flee to their safe place, or have to have an attack of the vapours.

            How terribly dull and grey life must be for the woke of today, don’t take yourself too seriously Ely.

          • Hey i didn’t say it wasn’t funny I just said it’s funny if you are 10 years old. How old are you John?

            Also it’s intresting to note that on an article that doesn’t mention France, or WW2 in any manner the comments still ended up in silly french bashing.

            But yeah John I guess this is because my life is grey and dull and you live in the sunlit uplands.

            Also I can’t help but notice you keep doing this which makes me think that France lives rent free in your tiny brain.

          • Asking my age??

            What sort of site do you think you are on Ely??

            Well thank you, but my dance card is quite full😂

            I didn’t mean to trigger you, it’s just us simple minded folk do like a laugh on occasion, do try to give us some leeway.

            For your information my dear chap, I have many French friends and do business in France on a regular basis, it might shock you to the very core to know we can all have a laugh together and a jolly good bit of banter too.

            Do have a lovely evening 👍

      • France won a world war, conquered a good chunk of Europe and won the Hundred Years’ War. Also a gentle reminder that WWII’s Battle of France was also lost by Britain who had to evacuate troops from Dunkirk

        • No the French third republic surrendered to Germany after a very short space of time…France had a lot of fight left in it unfortunately the third republic had none and no one was willing to fight for the third republic..it was an example of why one of the key domains of winning a war is people and political will and if you loss that war you loss ( it’s a lesson for the modern world)..The fighting retreat of the BEF and the RN UK rescue at Dunkirk saved 126,000 French soldiers and provided the de Gaulle free French a meaningful fighting force… as for World War One…it like world war 2 was a victory of an alliance of powers no one of which could have won on its own as the enemy was also an alliance of powers…..geopolitics is complex and not simple.

        • Whatever it is you’re taking I would stop. I think you’ll find that in the real world France lost the Iberian war and the Napoleonic War, followed by the Franco-German War. The least said about the slaughter ofWW1 the better. But in WW2 how you can say the war in France was lost because we managed to get 200,000 Commonwealth troops out, and many others including over 100,000 Frenchmen, leaving behind a mere 1.3 million French troops who were already surrendering is beyond me. Buy yourself a history book.

        • Lost by Britain!!!

          Good grief, that’s just all sorts of wrong.

          Go back and read up the actual history of French governmental and military duplicity and how they stabbed the BEF in the back.

          The French government could well have lost us the war by their actions, it was only the hard fighting, blood and guts of the sacrificed rear guard elements ( French included) and a very generous helping of luck, that Operation Dynamo was a success….

          Had we lost the majority of our ‘fighting Army’ in France, then we might very well have sued for peace.

          • While I’m on my high horse, I’ll add one of the stories that alway made my piss boil, the French forces deliberately parking trucks in front of parked RAF Battles and Blenheim’s, forcing the RAF units to set fire to their aircraft and set off for Dunkirk.

            Some French officers taking the order to capitulate to include ‘any allied elements attached to them’.

            I believe a few British Army units were actually forced to fight their way through French lines to escape the encircling German advance, as the French attempted to make them surrender too.

        • It is fair to say that the outdated French tactics and complacency that the Maginot line alone would protect them contributed greatly to that defeat.

          They had a bigger army and better tanks than the Germans at the time.

          Overall the the unexpected move by the Germans into Belgium and Holland combined with the speed of the breakout from Sedan sealed the allied armies’ fate.

          Better to have evacuated the troops rather than let them be captured..

          • The 51st the Highland Division was hung out to dry and had to surrender at St Valery. Still, the upside is, we did get the finest Highland Reel, ‘The Reel of the 51st’ as direct result of their time in prison camp.
            Thought you’d like to know.

      • I’d flee, considering the BEF would bring 11 Challengers max and RM swimming ashore, given the current status of things

    • I believe so, probably just a case of which vessels were in the most suitable area to shoot the targets down.
      The crew of the Languedoc must be gutted that they didn’t get a chance to take a shot. I’ve met both French and German sailors- despite the general bent of their governments sometimes being rather non-collaborative, the rank and file at least want to be involved and doing something worthwhile.

      • France may not be as dependent on Gulf gas as the UK. The issue of US leadership seems a problem for them; pity, this is really a conflict with Iran, who are supplying Russia as well as the Houthi, Hamas and Hezbolla. We need western solidarity.

        • Agreed, solidarity at this point in time -publicly shown so that Putin and others can see it- is very important.
          Unfortunately, I think that the French hesitation about being under US command is more to do with political optics than practicality or military expediency (or even military pride). Although I agree with you that this is more Iranian stirring than solidarity against Israel, the latter can’t be completely ignored- especially when you have a very loud and disenfranchised Islamic segment to the population like France has. Protecting shipping is one thing, joining and serving under a US-led task force that has shot down drones aimed at Israel and is threatening kinetic action against Houthis who are claiming alignment with Palestine is quite different.
          Besides, Biden isn’t particularly popular anywhere in Europe as far as I’m aware, so being seen as doing his bidding probably wouldn’t be a good look. Only thing worse would be doing that when Trump was in power..!

    • I understand that France has refused to put her in the command structure of Operation Prosperity Guardian and she is operating independently in defence of French vessels only.

      • I don’t think French vessels only, I guess they would act if others were threatened. By the way same for Spanish and Italian vessels

  5. This shows how a power like China that was prepping for a major war over Taiwan could deplete western navy missile stocks quite rapidly using proxies at a number of choke points.

    We really need to send CSG into the region and start attacking the launchers. At this point I don’t think the Houthi’s could do anything more. They are already launching multiple attacks with cruise and ballistic missiles.

    Their stocks from Iran will also be limited and we now have even more legal justification to intercept further Iranian arms shipments.

    It’s very important as well that the UK is seen to make a substantial commitment here. The US public must be clearly shown that NATO has capable Allie’s for them that can stand up.

    I’m sure the naysayers will start spitting their dummies out about how many aircraft we have onboard however with three escorts in the region we have virtually an entire task force there already. If the US lends us a Burke and the Europeans a frigate then we are good to go.

    We can resupply from Oman so no need for RFA and even if we only have 8 F35B onboard with Paveway IV that’s probably more than enough to mount deterrent air patrols to attack the launchers.

    This is the kind of operation the UK should be all over not hiding away behind the USA. It’s a big high profile operation that we have enough scale and logistics to accomplish on our own.

    • You mentioned Oman Jim, we don’t need a Carrier there, we have a friendly country at our disposal nextdoor.

      UK SF facilities in county too. We could simply deploy assets there, Thypoon, SF, plus SF support and reach out and say hello to the Houthis.

      Deploying a QE Class wouldn’t be a wise use of defence funds.

      Just how many Warships has China deployed to take part in the operation, as it effects them as much as anyone else…

      • I can’t see Oman letting us use its air bases to attack the Houthis. It would be inviting large scale retaliation on them. Ships docking fir resupply is a very different story to bombers taking off to attack targets.

        • My thoughts entirely. A big ask as frustrating as it might be, they will have seen the problems SA had there.

          Concerns me too, which is why there is no doubt hesitancy on retaliation, what imagery however contrived no doubt it will be of civilian casualties the moment we strike at the Houthi launch sites. In my view this is all about a mutually beneficial campaign with many tentacles involving Russia, Iran NK and others and with the connivance of China to discredit the West at any opportunity in the eyes of the Global South.

          • The western policy seems to be to avoid escalation, although I’m not a fan of warning a potential enemy and then not taking any action against them when they ignore said warning.
            I think air strikes, continuous reconnaissance over flights to locate and target the launch sites and the Houthis hardware, ideally before launch.
            I think it is a task a QEC strike group with F35Bs onboard would be deadly effective at, although the presence of a us carrier strike group should be adequate, if it weren’t for the fact they aren’t deployed with F35Bs onboard. Ergo a QEC battleground might actually be more effective.

          • Yes and the USN can’t keep a carrier there permanently, The USN is just as stretched as us. Time for the JEF we are suppose to operate with France to step up and help free up the USN.

          • Hang on a minute…. Can you just take a bit of time actually explaining why the USN is “Just as stretched as us” I for one am proper confused….. ?

    • Possibly why the mention of guns.

      Should be plenty of 30mm ammunition about and you can physically store an awful lot of that in the magazines.

      Just as Sea Ceptor could be quickly and easily reloaded in port with a HIAB if needs must. It is neither particularly heavy or ridiculously long.

      There is a reason for having good things that are less exquisite and less expensive. Albeit aimed with an exquisite radar and CMS.

        • Nope, can’t be done. Requires a dockyard crane to lower the missile into the silo with careful precision and the ship being totally still. One of the downsides of heavy duty VLS silos.

      • Agree if the Navel campaign in the Black Sea did not cement the argument this does..RN vessels need to be up gunned ( and I Mean with guns) …the fleet needs a good mix of bofors 40mm and 57mm with smart munitions…saturation attack by cheap drones ( air and surface) is not a possible future paradigm it’s now the reality of navel warfare….the T31 is actually a model of what a 21c escort now needs to look like ( contrary to many the RN did know what it was doing)…but it’s time to double down and stick 40mm bofors on everything and if they can manage it 57mm….the T45 should have its 4.5 inch removed as part of its upgrade and given a 57mm as well as a couple of 40mm. The carriers and amphibians should have 57mm or 40mm as well…in reality as anyone can now chuck a cheap drone at you the rivers also need a 40mm or even 57mm as standard self protection.

        • I agree with changing 30mm -> 40mm on T45.

          If budgets allowed a 5” would be great and I think it fits….not 100% sure.

          Really you need two 57mm one fore and one aft to give all rounds arcs?

        • Agreed. The Bofirs 40mm selected fir the R31 around be rolled out across the fleet. Particularly the carriers. They also need Seaceptor fitted.

          • Escort Carriers were especially effective in the latter part of WW2, I believe from Memory, the RN ended the War with more Carries than any other Navy….. There is a reason we need an effective Navy to protect Trade.

        • Good comment. The 4.5″ has limited uses and the 30mm is a doubtful starter as well, except against sea surface drones. Phalanx?

      • How close would the ship need to be to use its guns effectively? Is there a suggestion that Diamond put itself between the incoming and the target ship?

        • That would suggest that 30mm were used…..

          Effective range would be a factor of sea state and velocity of drone.

          Given the general situation I’ll refer you to Wiki or manufacturer for range data.

          For a lot of drones the 30/20mm combo will be more than good enough.

        • Very close. The 30mm range is 5km max so really the drone would have to be on a close fly past well within that to be hit. The 40mm is a little better at 12km with 5km anti air range.

          The only way we can cover the 500km of Red Sea past Yemen with guns only is with warships escorting merchant ships. It’s a 24 hour trip with an average of one ship every 4 hours so that’s about 12 merchant ships in the area at a time and on average about 100km between them.

          If most warships were as simple as a 2t ton corvette with a 57mm, 24 CAMMS, a Phalanx, a light helo and a couple of RHIBs it would be fine.

          • Perhaps convoys will come back into vogue? (Excellent recent movie, believe entitled “Grayhound,” re WW II NA convoy duty.)

      • Our 30mm RN guns have no effective anti misile. anti drone capability. They’re one-role duds only fit for shooting at small fast attack boats. Their rate of fire is way too low to combat aircraft or missiles. A waste of a gun station. You want someting closer to 1,000rpm for modern AA/AM work, but we removed decent light AA systems to fit these one role wonders.

        • Depends which 30mm and what mod state?

          The original manually aimed 30mm were not much use – agreed.

          Once it was linked to EO more use.

          Now they are fully integrated into CMS.

    • The issue is the organ grinder, not the monkey.

      The U.S.A. has emboldened Iran since 2021 with misguided de-escalation initiatives. Iran has made its position clear: fulfilment of prophecy.

      There are other ways to skin a cat and I hope sense has been knocked into a few heads in the west. Iran should be the focus. Fortunately the best weapon to employ against Iran is Iran itself.

    • QE brings no capabities to the party that Eisenhower doesn’t already match or better. Plus there’s nothing to bomb. The launchers are shoot and scoot and the Houthi infrastructure has already been flattened after years of bombing by the Saudis

      • A very rational point to make. We have to be very careful and will need to be very sure that launchers can indeed be targeted because we know scenes of civilians suffering whatever their veracity will certainly be shown.

      • I would disagree on that part. The QE can bring the F35, the Eisenhower does not have the F35 embarked. Yes it might be only able to lob Paveway at ground targets. But its ISTAR capabilities seriously outweigh its offensive role for this type of mission.

        Being able to spot ground targets and perhaps identify those who give the orders. Is a job the F35 can do significantly better than a USN F18. The F35 can also be refuelled by F18 buddy tankers, thereby extending its duration.

        So if things are needed to take the next step, sending QE with a Squadron of F35s wouldn’t be a bad option. Supporting the QE would be the next urgent issue that needs looking at.

        • I agree, also the F18 on Eisenhower would probably need a SEAD campaign first to operate which would be messy and expensive. Seems like an ideal job for F35.

        • It’s a good point that you make about ISTAR. I genuinely don’t know whether F35 brings capabilities that the USN doesn’t get through targeting and reconnaissance pods on F18’s, the Growler and the Hawkeye.

      • Disagree. The Eisenhower doesn’t have F35s onboard. The carrier strike group of Eisenhower is 4.-4.5gen and therefore despite being highly capable could feasibly take casualties in an air campaign Vs Houthis air defences. Not sure the Houthis have anything that can track and target an F35.

        • The US F18’s aren’t stealthy but unlike the UK F35B they have 150+ mile range stand-off weapons so they can engage targets well outside of the Houthi air defence umbrella. The Growler also Has enhanced EW capabilities and a stand off ARM to supress enemy air defences which the F35B doesn’t. The USN carrier strike wing can perform any mission required at very low risk.

      • I’m thinking more about QE relieving Eisenhower. The USN is overstretched and operating in the Indian Ocean is about as far away as you can get from the USA.

        More than anything though it’s an important message for the US public and it’s the kind of message that only an aircraft carrier can provide.

          • To bomb pickup trucks on the beach? Yes. The Houthi’s aren’t a standing nation force, more like ISIS when they occupied northern Iraq. The difference is the Houthi’s are getting their gear from the Iranians.

    • I do agree, the Uk needs to be seen to be doing something significant…not just because of the situation here but the west needs to be seen to be in lock step and cohesive as a deterrent ( china is watching).

      Im not sure about the carrier as really we need utter focus on regeneration of the fixed wing carrier/F35 force and that may impact…also we would need to ensure we are sending a proper battle group not just a carrier ( 2 air defence vessels and 2 type 23s)..

      what we need to have is an SSN down their to provide strike as well as maintaining 2-3 escorts as part of our contribution..if they could get Somerset with her NSMs as well…an SSN and Somerset would provide a good solid UK effort and show of solidarity with the west and western supportive nations.

      • I agree, No idea why we moved the SSN that’s normally in the Indian Ocean. If we have a T45 and two T23 on station already though all we need is to get one more T45 to come down with the carrier and or get one of the USN destroyers that’s already there.

        We could also get one of the Hobarts from Australia.

        Lots of options and assets that Allie’s can provide which is even better to make it a broad coalition but other than the USA we are the only navy that can send a large deck carrier with 5th Gen aircraft.

        All we need is for Rishi Sunak to grow a pair which is probably the main thing we won’t get.

      • Britain already is doing something significant, it has a Warship present and involved in Operation Protective Guardian. I don’t believe any other US ally can say that. Some European Countries have said the will send warships, some Europeans will only send personnel. If Wikipedia is to be believed, the US has asked Australia to commit a Warship but this has been declined and will instead only send personnel. I understand there needs to be unity shown but, as per usual, we’re doing the most already and now there are calls for us to compensate for the short fall of others at our expense. This is no good for our economy or our military budget.

  6. It is really a pity that the F125 frigates of germany were designed the way they were. Totally lacking what is needed now.

    • Interesting.

      I suspect that was a quid pro quo for something else from UK.

      We were getting quite annoyed that it was messing up the future works for Wharton.

      • Germany wants in to Tempest that’s what this is about.

        It’s amazing how “ rubbish” the UK is at everything apparently yet Japan, Germany Saudi and Italy are all knocking our door down to get on to Tempest.

        • They can be a Tier #2 partner with no say or control and whatever workshare we fancy giving them.

          I’d absolutely say no to having them as equals as they will pull their usual workshare stunt of promising to order 1000 frames, secure workshare and cut the order.

          Every single time on every project.

          • Agree. Tier 2 or 3 partner with nothing but the ability to order aircraft off us. If they order +250 airframes they can have a maintenance and upgrade facility….maybe.

          • Not sure they even warrant tier 2. All it takes is one component to be blocked by the German “Green” party and exports are off the table.

            If a nation want to act like clowns then they can’t be let into the big boys club.

            There is massive scope for us to pick up all Frances future exports too as they will encounter the same issue with the Germans.

            It’s also pretty clear that the Germans won’t have any budget for this.

            Honestly I would take the Saudis over the Germans any day. Atleast they have money.

        • Interestingly this was stated in not sure what paper a couple months back (ie allow Typhoon in exchange for Tempest entry) which seemed speculative for me but this is at least one part of that report coming to fruition so who knows though not yet convinced but interestingly there has been recent reports of the need expressed by many that UK and Germany need to work much closer on defence. That might be a link.

          • Yes I read the Ap same which is why I think they are angling for this. The Japanese won’t let anyone else in under any circumstance though. Three is enough I think.

        • Under no circumstances should the Germans be let anywhere near the Tempest programme, except as paying customers: they played a major role in delays to Typhoon.

          • Agree….but will Sunak/Hunt or Starter know or be reminded of the historical facts of Germanic partnership. Doubt it. For some reason our politicians seem to think we should Be subservient to Europe.
            Not sure why when we deliver the best results either alone or working alongside firm allies.

        • No. The Germans can stay in partnership with the French and try to deliver that programme.
          We all know how that will end.
          Tempest is the only programme in Europe likely to deliver an effective 6th gen Stealth multi-role aircraft.
          Large orders will follow. Germany can order off us once the programme is finished.
          The RAF needs to ensure they get enough Tempest. So at least 130-150 aircraft as a minimum.
          Italy has a stated requirement for a similar number. Japan wants +250. Saudi will likely opt for around 100. So reasonable numbers. If the UK aircraft can get into the US market and US airforce inventory then it will really become a NATO standard aircraft and huge sales will follow.
          Key thing. The UK must follow up and show faith in the aircraft with a big order.

          • Agree, I can’t see the US ever selling anyone NGAD which will be their only 6th Gen aircraft program which means Tempest might end up as the only 6th Gen aircraft available to western nations.

    • That’s big of them Michael, let’s hope it’s on time to stop the proposed Rafael deal with France, a possible deal that wouldn’t even be an issue if it wasn’t for bloody German intransigence and dithering…

      Thank god they aren’t in GCAP!!!

    • Yeah I read this a couple of days ago. If the Saudi’s do end up choosing the Typoon over the Rafael after all, I bet the French will get the right arse like they did over AUKUS deal?

    • About time too. That was just an effort to hinder British industry and try to develop a gap between Euro fighter and Tempest to make the Tempest programme harder to deliver.

  9. Good job to all involved- although would love to know some more details.
    If Diamond used her guns to bring some of those down, they must have been close and almost certainly headed straight for the ship; I don’t believe the 4.5″ gun has an AA role, so it would have been either the 30 mm or the Phalanx. I’d be surprised if Diamond would have been sailing so close to a cargo vessel that either of those systems would have the range to knock a target down.
    Makes the integration of Sea Ceptor onto T45 a good option for acceleration, although we obviously don’t have the money to do that..

      • Unfortunately, I think we need a fairly fundamental re-work in a number of areas of policy and funding to get us out of the mess we are in- defence and further afield. But that’s not going to be a quick fix…

    • 4.5 mark 8 has AA / anti missile capabilities understand design optimised to get anti missile first shot away quickly rather than overall rate of fire

      • Oh, OK, I’d read that they don’t- but happy to take correction on that. Either way, effective AA range against a drone isn’t going to be very far- especially in relation to the distances ships normally like to keep between themselves and large cargo vessels. The threat/s killed by gunnery was likely headed for HMS Diamond.

        • I agree. Either Diamond was the target and guns could have been used, or she was literally next to the target. However I suspect even if that were the case she fired an Aster from further out just to be sure.

          • £2M vs the potential loss of your vessel / death of even a single crew member? It’s not really much of a question- you press the red button!

        • You may be right Joe. Anti Air capability is from BAE design and anti missile capability comment from mk8 wiki

          ‘……the new weapon emphasised reliability and rapid response to fire first round from shutdown state (particularly for defence against missiles) over a high rate of fire, allowing a switch to a lighter, single barrel mounting and ammunition of a one-piece design.[3]……’

          ….but i am also reading AA capability has gone for RN. Targeting systems ? Madness and more penny pinching ?

          Redundancy across all weapon systems required to support ships deployed globally.

          ASH = missile > helo > big gun
          AA = missile > big gun > Small gun
          Anti Sub = Helo > drone > ship launch

      • Agree an airburst 4.5inch shell will deliver a wide cone of death to any incoming round be it a drone, cruise or ballistic missile.
        There is little replacement for heavy lead.

    • Interesting indeed about the guns, did it specifically state it was Diamond’s guns? I remember years back that it was claimed these ships could hit an object the size of a cricket ball ( why is it always a cricket ball) but I believe it was reported recently on here that the anti air capability of the 4.5” has gone so yes more info need if it were a last ditch downing of indeed what? And what and who brought down the ‘ballistic missile’ as we are told the T-45 has only limited capability to do so presently so I would assume that was a US hit though it depends on what is exactly meant by that description.

      • You’re right. Someone posted here that our ships no longer carry proximity fused rounds for AA fire from their main gun.

      • According to the press release: “using Sea Viper missiles and guns, Diamond destroyed multiple attack drones heading for her and commercial shipping in the area”
        So the implication is that she didn’t just use guns, but actually shot something down with them too! Also worth noting, it states attack drones, whereas the wider attack was stated to involve cruise and ballistic missiles. So to confirm your assumption on that, I think the Americans dealt with the ballistic missile. Their Burkes are better set up for handling those.

    • The first missile attack toward Israel that was intercepted by a US warship used its 5 inch gun. Might have just been close enough to the flight path and cheaper than a SAM.

      • I missed that bit of information! Although the 4.5″ on the T45 isn’t the same as the Burke’s main gun- they don’t have as wide a range of ammunition types etc. available because they’re not used by as many Navies. There seems to be some question as to whether the 4.5″ gun on HMS Diamond would have had the software and ammunition available to carry out AA duties, even if capable.
        But the press release specifically says some of the drones were attacking HMS Diamond, so they probably used the guns on those in my guess.

    • I agree about this engagement being further validation for the decision to fit Sea Ceptor to T45 but I do worry a bit about capacity.

      As I understand it the MK41 FFBNW reserved space on T45 was for 16 x MK41 tubes which, given that such a silo could quad-pack a total of 64 Sea Ceptor (even while still carrying the overhead of hot gas venting not needed for Sea Ceptor), makes me think that the T45 reserved space could have hosted more than 24 Sea Ceptor.

      If these sort of high volume engagements are going to be common, and given that (again AIUI) neither Aster not Sea Ceptor can be reloaded at sea, having big silos to avoid needing to go off station too soon in order to to replenish would seem quite an important attribute for these sort of longer duration shipping protection missions where multiple high volume attacks might need to be defeated.

      • The mk41 packing of Sea Ceptor is about as tightly packed you can get missiles. Mushroom farm style is distinctly less compact for ease of construction and maintenance, so I think given the space 24 seems about right.

      • It’s a fair point, I hope that reloading spent tubes- if only for Sea Ceptor- can be considered at some point. As far as Mk41 on T45 goes, I think the time for that has passed, but the T83 (whatever that looks like) is going to need a lot of cells.
        And another reason why the T31’s gunnery fitout should probably be the standard for escorts going forward. All very well having a 5″ gun, but the 57 mm is probably a better fit for this kind of situation.

  11. If the T45s get their Harpoons/NSMs maybe they can then reply in kind. And having 1-2 MK41s added might be very useful, additional CAMM and 2*40mm for the 30mm. Hopefully 2 Wildcats deployed or 1+ UAV like the Jackal. Could be an opportunity here to test out Martlet and Sea Venom. Wonder how good the 4.5″ is in AA role?

    • Well interesting esp in light of what Pete says about AA capabilities of the 4.5” I thought someone on here a few weeks back said that the software required to do so had been removed or am I mis remembering which class of ship, maybe it was the T-23 he was referring to. Anyone have a definitive answer?

      • The software wasn’t updated when the system was changed from hydraulic to servo.

        Software can always be upgraded and installed by flying a tech rep to the ship.

        I don’t know if the proximity fuse ammunition was deleted. I can see it being useful for NGS anyway so it might be in the magazines anyway.

        • I am really hoping that the shells are not only point detonated. Proximity fusing allows you to airburst rounds over the ground. Which is essential for clearing trenches and mobile targets. If the RN have removed this capability, then the 4.5″ for NGFS is next to useless, when compared to land based artillery.

          • As I said I don’t know.

            But I’d be surprised if it had been deleted.

            I suspect some new 4.5” rounds might be ordered with improved fuzes. Just a guess mind but it isn’t an impossibility as Washington can make them.

  12. Sounds like the fleet did a good job. But surely in light of previous statements a red line has been crossed and direct action in Yemen is now necessary and proportionate.

  13. 48 VLS cells now seems to be lacking for the Type 45s, in stead of CAAM do they need more viper cells? They need to be able to intercept ballistic missiles too

    • It is very likely that the designed positioning and number of CAMM cells has been signed off. So any changes would further delay the upgrade. There are still areas on the ship that could be used for additional CAMM cells.

      The Sea Viper/Sea Ceptor mix and installation was designed, before we all became aware of the threat of cheap suicide drones. As much as I would like the ship to take into account this emerging threat. I believe getting Sea Ceptor on to the ship, is too important to delay any further.

      If and it’s a big if, there is funding available in the future, before the T83 comes into service. Then, perhaps the Navy could look at moving the CAMM farm and installing Mk41. Moving CAMM to areas either side of the mid-mast, where it won’t interfere with the firing arc of the Phalanx, may be a good spot. But would need investigation for potential fires and explosions in that area. It would however, easily accommodate a 16 missile cell farm either side. For a total of 32 CAMM, possibly more depending on the layout. Thereby freeing up the space for the 16 cell Mk41 farm. But let’s get Sea Ceptor on the T45 first.

      • In order to exploit the lessons currently being learned from ongoing crises, wonder whether an equivalent T-31 weapons fit ( two 40 mm, one 57 mm) is feasible for T-26 and T-45, both technically and, especially, financially? Certainly should merit serious consideration for both the T-32 and T-83 classes. Possibly even the T-23s which will remain in the fleet for the longest duration? Would suggest DEW R&D also be expedited under the auspices of an AUKUS Pillar 2 initiative. Of course, financial considerations would prove to be paramount. 🤔

    • the mass of these are low end threats so what they need is better guns…the 4.5inch needs to go as it cannot engage air targets…

  15. Benny will let loose on Iran soon. As a way to guarantee continued western “interest”. Either that or we get an “Article 5” incident involving a western ship.

    • This is all happening south of the Tropic of Cancer so it cannot be an article 5 issue…as long as you attack a U.S. or UK ship south of the Tropic of Cancer it does not come under article 5. ( only the very top of the Red Sea and the gulf is north of the Tropic of Cancer).

  16. Listening to Grant Shapps this lunchtime the language has moved on. It is likely we will see military strikes against Houthi targets. I’ve not seen it explicitly stated but I suspect that missiles in this latest swarm actually targeted Diamond so the Houthis have crossed a line.

  17. Well good going on the people there and any all the sailors in those waters be safe.

    What this re-enforces ( from the conflict in the Red Sea) is that drone warfare has shifted the paradigm of navel conflict in the littoral and enclosed seas…where as once your main issue was a small number of attacks by complex manned platforms or missiles…that could never truly be translated into a massive attritional force ( people alway retreat and shatter from losses and missiles just cost to much and are two complex)….where as now drones are cheap and they never shatter…an enemy can just keep flying them at you and even the most asymmetric of enemy’s could throw drones at you…air and sea..

    So the high end missile armament if modern escorts is just not practical for this type of warfare…a modern escort will struggle have tens of drones a day thrown at it from a asymmetric enemy..let alone an enemy who could arrange for hundreds every day.

    It looks very much like the weapons mix of the T31 was exactly what you need in an escort for the modern world ( the navy knew what it was about..what a shock)…But now it’s time to double down on that…with an up gunning of our wider escorts and capital ships ( carriers and amphibious)..the 4.5inch with no support against airborne threats needs to go as a whole and be replaced with something that can manage airborne threats ( 57mm as this would save money due to removing an entire gun system and not adding a new one)..where possible the 30mms need to be replaced with 40mm mk4s. Even the rivers should have a 40mm MK4 for self protection as a drone can be fired by any enemy anywhere.

    There needs to be a shift in though around the level of protection needed for the low end asymmetric threat…as it’s now completely mainstream and probably more disruptive and or potentially decisive than the high end capabilities ( 100 drones is probably going to stress any AAW escort to failure and if a force like the Houthi can throw 20 in a single night…100-200 is not unrealistic).

    • Exactly…. You took the words right out of my mouth…. Drones are a massive threat un-envisaged before recent conflicts in Europe and the Caucuses. T83 needs some special planning.

    • Can’t the Martlet pack be fitted to T45 30mm mounts? I know there were issues with the T23 setup, but the T45 is more open. This would give a cheap guided 8km missile straight away without resorting to 40mm replacements. Can easily be reloaded, presumably magazine capacity already on board for the Wildcat. Ditto River B2. Instant upgrade.
      Perhaps a few booty teams with hand held launchers…..
      AA

      • well in reality the 40mm with is smart fuse rounds would be cheap per round and more able to manage swarms of attack drones, 100 round of ammunition gives you a lot more kills that a 30mm that’s incapable of engaging the target and 3-4? Missiles that need slow manual reload.

        the 57/40/40 of the T31 will have the option of 320 smart fuse and potentially guided rounds available immediately to engage a swarm of air or surface targets…that can easily be reloaded any number of times..as well as its missiles…

        • You still need the warship to be the target or next to it for guns to be useful. Unless we get sufficient escorts to escort, or introduce a convoy system we are likely to have merchant ships only under the protection of longer range missiles. These additional escorts don’t have to be big. Six of them at just 2t ton with a 57mm and a phalanx would be a huge contribution.

        • But…the fitting of Martlet would be ‘instant’ (as far as these things go), and reloading is apparently fairly quick. A pannier of 5 was the trial, 5 a side. Not saying its ideal but a relatively quick fix.
          River b2 with 57mm and (possibly?) Better radar, 30mm/martlet either side…..
          AA

    • Very true. It isn’t inconceivable that a Houthi ( or similar group) could over the course of several drone attacks exhaust the inventory of Aster missiles on a T45, causing it to withdraw from the area to reload at a distant port, or find itself dangerously low on missiles and reliant on close in defensive armaments to ward off a ballistic missile or another swarm attack. Either way, it’s not a good outcome.

  18. An impressive array of anti missile/drone defence platforms. Begs the question if the UK was being bombarded, how long could our tiny resources sustain a defence? Just 6 T45s, one or two in refit usually, T23 numbers very low & falling further too, with shorter ranged Sea Ceptors, few land based sytstems, record low numbers of combat jets. Yet we still seem to choose less systems as we go forward. Our “leaders” continue to reduce us to a soft target for our enemies.

    Looking more likely we’ll have to strike Houthi & Iranian facilities. So sad for Yemen having been devestated by the war with the Saudis. Putin & probably Xi loving the streching of western capabilities to distract from UKR & Taiwan. The free world being picked apart almost with impunity by Russian & Chinese grey warfare.

  19. Instead of being merely reactive it is about time that the US/UK should be proactive and inflict sufficient damage to the Houtis on their home soil to discourage any further actions from them which in effect amounts to a declaration of war by them against the international shippingcommunity.

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