HMS Argyll has been kitted out with the deadly £850m Sea Ceptor – which can destroy war jets, drones and supersonic missiles
A ROYAL Navy frigate heading for North Korea will carry a lethal new missile system, the Defence Secretary will today reveal.
HMS Argyll has been kitted out with the deadly £850m Sea Ceptor – which can destroy war jets, drones and supersonic missiles.
It will be the first time the new air defence missile system has been deployed on operations.
Insiders said Type 23 frigate HMS Argyll will deploy to the tinder box Asia pacific region later this year, travelling through the fiercely contested South China Sea to Japan.
The mission will take it close to the “Korean theatre”, sources confirmed.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Sea Ceptor will protect our nation against the intensifying threats we face today and in the future, giving our ships a powerful shield against everything from supersonic missiles to enemy fighter jets.
“Fitting our warships with this ground-breaking technology not only protects our Navy but shows we are world leaders at sea.
“HMS Argyll will be the first ship to deploy with this cutting-edge system when she heads to support peace and security in the Asia-Pacific later this year.”
Officials said Sea Ceptor could also be used to defend the new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers when they enter service.
The new weapons system – which replaces Sea Wolf – has been called a “powerful shield” against airborne targets including jets, choppers and missiles.
It will be carried by all the Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigates and put on the new Type 26 frigates when they are built.
News of the deployment follows a series of successful test fires last year, including by sister ship HMS Montrose.
During the test Sea Ceptor took out a drone.
Commander Conor O’Neill, the Commanding Officer of HMS Montrose, said: “The test firing we carried out represents the successful culmination of a great deal of hard work by many people from Babcock, the Short Range Air Defence team, DE&S, MBDA and the Royal Navy.
“I am extremely proud of my ship’s company for their professional attitude which enabled the test firing to go so smoothly.
“This missile system represents a vastly-improved capability for the Royal Navy, and puts us ahead of the game in being able to defend ourselves and our new aircraft carriers from threat.”
Defence Secretary Williamson made the announcement at the think tank RUSI today which is hosting the Sea Power Conference.
Sea Ceptor has been designed and manufactured by weapons maker MBDA and supports 600 jobs in Bristol, Stevenage and Bolton.
The first firings of Sea Ceptor were conducted from HMS Argyll at the Hebrides range off the coast of Scotland last year.
A range of complex combat scenarios was hurled at the weapon – including engaging multiple targets at once.
While tensions have recently thawed on the Korean Peninsula politicians and Commanders remain wary of tubby tyrant Kim Jon Un’s intentions.
