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HMS Diamond successfully engaged and shot down an arial system suspected to have been a one way attack drone, that appears to have originated from Houthi controlled territory in Yemen.
Diamond transited the Suez Canal on 14 December, deployed in response to increasing attacks on merchant ships.
Having only just arrived in theatre, the MoD announced yesterday that HMS Diamond destroyed a drone using her Sea Viper/PAAMS system.
This is the first use of an Aster missile (named Sea Viper) in combat by the Royal Navy, although the French frigate FS Languedoc also fired an Aster 15 missile at a similar target earlier this week.
It is also the first time the Royal Navy has destroyed an aerial target in combat since the first Gulf War of 1991.
The MoD did not say who was behind the incident, but Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for recent attacks in the Red Sea.
First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key said:
“One sixth of the world’s commercial shipping passes through the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea.
“HMS Diamond deployed at short notice to the region from Portsmouth just two weeks ago and is already delivering effect together with our American, French and other allies and partners.
“The Royal Navy is committed to upholding the right to free use of the oceans and we do not tolerate indiscriminate threats or attacks against those going about their lawful business on the high seas.”
Source: Ministry of Defence
