The Royal Navy has successfully destroyed a supersonic missile for the first time during a live-fire test conducted off the coast of Scotland.
On May 15, 2025, Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon launched a modified Sea Viper missile that intercepted and destroyed a high-speed, sea-skimming target in the air.
The test was carried out during Exercise Formidable Shield 25, the largest live-fire military drill in Europe this year. The exercise involves nearly 7,000 personnel from 10 NATO countries, including naval ships, aircraft, ground troops, and command teams.
The first phase of the operation was held at Andøya firing range in Norway, before moving to the Hebrides range in western Scotland where HMS Dragon’s engagement took place.
During the trial, HMS Dragon fired a telemetry version of the Sea Viper missile. This specially equipped missile was designed to collect important flight data and performance measurements to support future air defence planning.
Just 2.5 seconds after launch,
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