Royal Navy helicopter crew trials air-to-air counter-drone operations

The UK Royal Navy has completed an air trial demonstrating how helicopter crews can take down a rogue drone.

The crew of a Wildcat helicopter used the Martlet missile, designed to take out enemy surface targets, to destroy an uncrewed system flying at hundreds of miles an hour over the Bristol Channel. It was the first time the Wildcat has detected, tracked, and engaged a drone without outside assistance.

The helicopter operates from Royal Navy frigates, destroyers and aircraft carriers performing a range of roles. Thanks to two missile systems – Martlet, which has been in service since 2021, and Sea Venom, successfully tested earlier this autumn – it can also take out hostile ships. 

Experts spotted the air-to-air potential of the Martlet, which was realised at the two-day trial that saw the Royal Navy deploy the autonomous Banshee drone as the target for the Wildcat and its missiles. 

Wildcat pilot Lieutenant Dave Guest said the ability to take out drones is crucial. “It’s really important that we can demonstrate the Wildcat’s effectiveness in engaging targets such as uncrewed systems and that we can do so on our own, without requiring the assistance of other assets,” he said. “Martlet is a highly-capable and also cost-effective weapon in our arsenal, ideal for this, while Banshee is representative of the challenges we face globally, particularly in the Red Sea.”

Earlier this year a Wildcat deployed aboard destroyer HMS Diamond repeatedly faced the threat of drones fired by Houthi rebels at shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Yemen. Both the air and ground crew were recently recognised for their bravery.