Royal Marine snipers aboard a Wildcat helicopter fired a precision disabling shot to stop a high-speed drugs boat in the Gulf of Oman, as HMS Lancaster seized more than £35 million worth of illegal narcotics, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The operation saw the Type 23 frigate’s Wildcat from 815 Naval Air Squadron intercept three fast-moving skiffs during a dawn patrol. As the vessels attempted to evade capture at speeds above 40 knots, the Royal Marines’ Maritime Sniper Team from 42 Commando took aim, striking one boat’s outboard engine with a single round.
More than one and a half tonnes of heroin, crystal methamphetamine and hashish were recovered from the scene, the Ministry of Defence stated. The seizure represents one of the Royal Navy’s most significant counter-narcotics operations in the Middle East in recent years.
Armed Forces Minister Al Carns praised the mission’s precision and professionalism, describing it as “a well-planned operation culminating in a surgical shot by a Royal Marines sniper disabling the engine of a vessel travelling at 40 knots.” He added that the interception “demonstrated effectiveness, decisive action and the exceptionally high standard of our Royal Navy and Marines.”
The operation also marked the first time in the Gulf region that snipers have used non-lethal disabling fire against a moving target. Typically, drug traffickers in the area use slower wooden dhows rather than the high-speed skiffs seen in this case.
Commander Sam Stephens, Commanding Officer of HMS Lancaster, said the interception showcased how the ship’s crewed and uncrewed systems could work together effectively. “This operation saw Lancaster’s crewed and uncrewed aircraft working hand-in-glove under the direction of the ship’s operations room,” he said. “The outcome was a highly successful bust, removing large quantities of narcotics from the streets and preventing their profits from fuelling extremism.”
Lieutenant Guy Warry, who piloted the Wildcat during the engagement, said in the announcement, that conducting live disabling fire while maintaining a stable hover over fast-moving targets was “a career highlight.” He added that the mission was “a true testament to the high levels of training that both the flight, MST and ship have achieved prior to the bust.”
“Preventing their profits from fuelling extremism”
Well maybe that’s one use but not the only one.
“Narcotics” (I remember all those american shows) or Drugs are huge business.
type 23 still proving their value despite being old and tired. the remaining ships in the class will be a vital part of the fleet until the final one is gone