Royal Navy helicopter shoots down drone

The Royal Navy has successfully tested its ability to counter airborne drone threats.

In a first-of-its-kind air-to-air trial, a Wildcat helicopter equipped with the Martlet missile engaged and destroyed a fast-moving Banshee drone over the Bristol Channel.

This trial, held off the Welsh coast at the Manorbier range, demonstrated the Wildcat’s autonomous capability to detect, track, and neutralise aerial threats without external assistance.

The trial highlights the versatility of the Martlet missile, initially designed to counter small, manoeuvrable surface targets like speedboats.

The Royal Navy’s decision to test it in an air-to-air role underscores the missile’s adaptability in addressing a range of threats. Commander James Woods, Commanding Officer of 815 Naval Air Squadron, praised the development, stating, “This is a significant advancement in maritime strike capability for the Royal Navy that further refines our ability to deter and neutralise airborne threats.”

The two-day exercise involved launching the Banshee drone to simulate a realistic, high-speed aerial target, pushing the Wildcat’s response time and accuracy. As the Wildcat helicopter locked onto its target, it received the command to proceed with the missile engagement, which culminated in a successful intercept.

Lieutenant Dave Guest, the Wildcat pilot, highlighted the importance of this new capability: “It’s crucial that we demonstrate the Wildcat’s effectiveness in engaging targets like uncrewed systems – and that we can do so independently, without assistance from other assets.” He noted the importance of the Martlet as a “highly-capable and cost-effective weapon in our arsenal.”

The addition of Martlet’s air-to-air capability complements the Wildcat’s existing arsenal, which includes the Sea Venom missile. Together, these missile systems enhance the helicopter’s operational flexibility, allowing it to tackle a wide range of targets, from enemy vessels to drones. This versatility is particularly valuable in high-threat regions like the Red Sea, where Royal Navy assets have increasingly encountered drone threats. Earlier this year, a Wildcat deployed on HMS Diamond faced multiple drone threats from Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Yemen, underscoring the pressing need for robust anti-drone capabilities.

Martlet, a lightweight, laser-guided missile, was originally acquired to engage small, fast-moving surface vessels. Since its introduction during the UK Carrier Strike Group’s deployment in 2021, the missile has undergone rigorous testing in various operational scenarios, affirming its utility against both surface and aerial threats. The Royal Navy’s investment in this capability aligns with its broader strategy to enhance maritime security against rapidly evolving threats.

In the air-to-air role, the Wildcat’s agility allows it to respond swiftly to incoming drones, providing a mobile counter-drone screen that can be repositioned as needed, all while retaining its anti-surface capabilities.

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