British warship uses Sea Viper missiles to repel largest Houthi attack to date
British and US forces repelled ‘the largest attack’ by Yemen-based Houthis in the Red Sea to date, putting the entire Middle East on its toes.
Backed by Iran, rebels fired 21 drones and missiles towards international shipping lanes, the US military’s Central Command said.
Rockets were heading towards the Royal Navy’s HMS Diamond, deployed by the UK to help protect shipping, as well as commercial vessels.
Defence secretary, Grant Shapps, said in a statement on X that ‘lethal’ Sea Viper missiles were unleashed to defend the warship and repel the Houthis.
He said: ‘Overnight, HMS Diamond, along with US warships, successfully repelled the largest attack from the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea to date.
‘Deploying Sea Viper missiles and guns, Diamond destroyed multiple attack drones heading for her and commercial shipping in the area, with no injuries or damage sustained to Diamond or her crew.
What are the capabilities of the Sea Viper missiles?
All six Type 45s – HM Ships Daring, Dauntless, Diamond, Dragon, Defender and Duncan – carry up to 48 Sea Viper missiles as part of a £300 million upgrade for Royal Navy destroyers in 2022.
Each is held in a vertical-launch silo on the forecastle, each capable of taking out aerial threats at ranges up to 75 miles away, accelerating out of its launcher to reach speeds in excess of four times the speed of sound.
It relies on two distinctive radar systems, which are able to track hundreds of targets as far as 250 miles away.
‘The UK alongside allies have previously made clear that these illegal attacks are completely unacceptable and if continued the Houthis will bear the consequences.
‘We will take the action needed to protect innocent lives and the global economy.’
The Houthis, who have been engaged in a civil war with Yemen’s internationally recognised government, have stepped up their strikes on ships in the region in recent weeks.
They claim it is revenge against Israel for its military campaign in the besieged Gaza Strip.
They did not immediately issue any formal statement acknowledging launching the attacks against the vessels.
The Al Jazeera news network quoted an anonymous Houthi military official saying their forces ‘targeted a ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea’.
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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