Breaking Barriers: Royal Navy Warship Successfully Intercepts Supersonic Missile in Unprecedented Test

Image Credits: Royal Navy/X

In a groundbreaking achievement, the Royal Navy has successfully intercepted and destroyed a supersonic missile during a live-fire exercise off Scotland’s coast.

On May 15, 2025, the HMS Dragon, a type 45 destroyer, launched an upgraded Sea viper missile that took down a high-speed target skimming just above the water. This remarkable feat occurred as part of Exercise Formidable Shield 25—Europe’s largest military drill this year—bringing together nearly 7,000 personnel from ten NATO nations.

The initial phase of this operation kicked off at Andøya firing range in Norway before shifting to the Hebrides range in Scotland for HMS Dragon’s critical engagement. During this test, the ship fired a telemetry version of the Sea Viper missile designed to gather essential data on its flight and performance for future air defense strategies.

Just two and a half seconds post-launch, that missile hit speeds exceeding Mach 4—four times faster than sound! It executed rapid maneuvers that would be unfeasible for any human pilot to withstand. These agile movements allowed it to lock onto and obliterate its fast-moving target with precision.

A stunning fireball erupted as HMS Dragon showcased its capabilities by launching this modified Sea viper at an incoming threat mimicking real-world advanced weaponry scenarios.

The simulated incoming missile wasn’t your average aerial threat; it zipped along just above sea level while performing erratic corkscrew patterns—mimicking modern military challenges faced today.

At the heart of HMS Dragon’s success is its formidable Sea Viper system—a blend of Sampson radar (that spins atop the ship like an intricate ball) and Aster missiles mounted on deck. This system scans vast expanses of sky for potential threats and responds accordingly when necessary.

HMS Dragon’s successful test also reassured command that thier air defense systems are fully operational after recent maintenance work. The crew expressed confidence in their ability to collaborate effectively with NATO allies under pressure from multiple threats across various domains: air, sea, and land.

Exercise Formidable Shield 25 features live-fire drills involving nearly all participating units testing against diverse modern threats such as drones and both subsonic/supersonic missiles alongside uncrewed systems.A senior warfare officer aboard HMS Dragon—a member currently on exchange from australia’s Royal Navy—noted how challenging yet rewarding this exercise has been for honing warfighting skills within larger combat groups.

Throughout these live trials, HMS Dragon collaborated with several other NATO vessels engaged in similar operations. While specific details remain classified due to security protocols, officials confirmed adherence to joint objectives throughout these exercises.

Formidable Shield 25 will run until May 31st as it continues testing allied cooperation amid realistic military scenarios designed to push boundaries further than ever before.

Image Credits: Royal Navy/X