HMS Dragon tests Sea Viper missiles
HMS Dragon has successfully tested her Sea Viper missile defence system for the first time, during sea trials off the West coast of Scotland.
The Royal Navy’s newest Type-45 destroyer, which is proudly affiliated with the Welsh capital Cardiff, blasted an Aster missile out of her silo at three times the speed of sound, obliterating an incoming target in the sky above.
The live firing exercise – which took place on the Outer Hebrides missile range last week – marks the start of an intense work-up period for the 7,500-tonne ship before she is declared ready for operations and deployed, next year. With 95% of UK imports arriving by sea, the UK maintains a presence at sea around the world throughout the year to build partnerships and prevent conflict.
