Royal Navy frigate verifies missile upgrade with Sea Ceptor launch

The first Royal Navy Type 23 frigate to be upgraded with a Sea Ceptor missile system has carried out the first successful firings of the new missile system, the Royal Navy announced.

The Sea Ceptor system, which utilises MBDA’s next-generation Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM), is being fitted to replace the Sea Wolf weapon system on the Type 23 frigates as part of their life-extension program.

Sea Ceptor will provide improved protection for the Royal Navy against anti-ship cruise missiles, aircraft and other highly sophisticated threats.

HMS Argyll is the first Type 23 to undergo the life-extension program, and will conduct further firing trials of the Sea Ceptor system before returning to frontline service.

Designed and manufactured by MBDA in the UK, Sea Ceptor will also protect the Royal Navy’s future Type 26 Frigates, and as Land Ceptor will replace Rapier in British Army service.

HMS Argyll will conduct further firing trials of the Sea Ceptor system before she deploys to Japan next year. Alongside providing robust self-defence, importantly Sea Ceptor defends escort vessels within a maritime task group, such as for the new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.

“Sea Ceptor will protect our interests against threats both known and unknown,” UK minister for defence procurement Harriett Baldwin said. “It will launch from the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 frigates as they keep our nuclear deterrent submarines and the UK’s two new aircraft carriers safe on operations around the globe.”