The British Royal Navy's HMS Diamond, a Daring-class air-defense destroyer and one of its most sophisticated warships, successfully intercepted and neutralized an aerial attack drone in the Red Sea. This action, which took place on December 16, 2023, involved the deployment of a Sea Viper missile to protect merchant vessels navigating the strategic waters.
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The British Royal Navy HMS Diamond fired its Sea Viper missile to engage and shoot down an aerial drone over the Red Sea. (Picture source British MoD )
While the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has not officially attributed responsibility for the potential threat, the context of recent regional activities suggests a connection to the Houthi rebels of Yemen. The Houthis, known for their aggressive stance in the Red Sea region, have previously claimed responsibility for similar attacks. This assertion aligns with their recent strategy of targeting foreign ships, especially since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The rebels have voiced their support for Hamas and declared an intent to target vessels associated with Israel.
The deployment of the British Navy HMS Diamond to the region occurred merely two weeks prior, aimed at reinforcing global initiatives to preserve maritime safety. According to information from the British Ministry of Defence, the last recorded instance of the Royal British Navy engaging and destroying an airborne threat in a combat situation was during the First Gulf War in 1991. During that conflict, the Type 42 Destroyer HMS Gloucester successfully intercepted and eliminated an Iraqi Silkworm missile, which was directed towards a U.S. naval vessel.
This incident follows a related episode involving the French Navy. Just last week, the French Ministry of Defence reported that their Red Sea-patrolling warship, the frigate Languedoc, engaged and destroyed two drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles were deemed a direct threat to the ship.
The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have intensified their attacks in the Red Sea. These attacks have targeted both commercial vessels and military ships, including those from the US and the UK. The USS Carney, a U.S. destroyer, intercepted 14 one-way attack drones launched by the Houthis, while the British destroyer HMS Diamond also shot down a Houthi drone. The Houthis have openly claimed responsibility for these attacks and have stated their intention to target any ships connected to Israel or travelling to or from the country
The Red Sea, a critical maritime route, has witnessed a surge in hostile activities, predominantly attributed to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. These escalating tensions have raised concerns over maritime security and freedom of navigation in this vital waterway. The international community, particularly naval forces from the United States, United Kingdom, and France, has increased its vigilance and defensive measures in response to these threats.
The actions of HMS Diamond highlight the ongoing efforts of international naval powers to safeguard commercial shipping routes against rising regional threats. This incident also underscores the complex dynamics in the Red Sea region, where geopolitical conflicts have direct implications for international maritime security.
The HMS Diamond is the third ship of the Type 45 or Daring-class air-defence destroyers built for the Royal Navy. (Picture source British MoD)
HMS Diamond, a Daring-class air-defence destroyer of the British Royal Navy, is a highly advanced warship with significant combat capabilities and armament. It primarily serves in air defence, equipped to protect UK and allied ships from enemy aircraft and missiles. The ship's key feature is its state-of-the-art SAMPSON radar, renowned for its exceptional tracking and detection capabilities, crucial in both defensive and offensive operations.
Armed with the Sea Viper missile system, HMS Diamond stands out in its class. The Sea Viper is a sophisticated air defence system capable of tracking and engaging multiple targets simultaneously, including fast jets and low-flying missiles. This system primarily uses the Aster missile family, including the Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles, designed for varying ranges and altitudes, thus offering flexibility against a range of aerial threats. The agility and precision of the Sea Viper missiles are pivotal, enabling the interception of targets over significant distances and at various altitudes.
Besides the Sea Viper system, HMS Diamond is also equipped with a variety of other weapons and systems, including medium-caliber guns and anti-ship missiles. This diverse armament enhances its operational versatility across different combat scenarios. The ship also boasts advanced communication and electronic warfare systems, which are essential for effective operation in complex maritime environments.
