With a flash of fire and smoke Royal Navy warship HMS Richmond has bared her teeth as she blasted targets into oblivion using two Seawolf missiles.
The Type 23 frigate destroyed two fast sea skimming targets while on a live firing exercise off the South coast exercise areas, demonstrating the power Royal Navy warships wield.
An anti-air warfare capability, the Seawolf Missile System allows HMS Richmond to defend herself and other vessels in close company from attack by fast jets and missiles.
Lieutenant Commander Jim Sampson the Weapon Engineer Officer responsible for the performance of the missile system, said:
HMS Richmond is an agile, adaptable, multi-purpose frigate, that may be deployed at short notice in a wide variety of scenarios, she must be ready to defend herself, and protect others at all times.
This type of firing proves she is capable of just that – there is no substitute for a live firing to confirm the system is working correctly, and can deal with the latest threats.
The Seawolf missile system provides a vital self-defence capability for HMS Richmond.
If the system were placed in the middle of London, it could track its targets outside the M25 and knock them out the sky somewhere around the North or South circular – and the whole action would last seconds.
The ship’s Gunnery Officer Lieutenant Commander Paul Irving said:
The ship is well trained and well drilled in conducting these types of firings. Great care is taken to ensure their success.
HMS Richmond remains at sea undertaking training in preparation for deployment in 2015.
Press release, Image: UK Navy