Royal Navy’s Martlet Missile Achieves Full Operating Capability, Bolstering Anti-Drone & Small Vessel Defence
Hyères, France – October 23, 2024 – The royal Navy has declared Full Operating Capability (FOC) for its Martlet missile system, significantly enhancing the Wildcat helicopter’s ability to counter a growing range of threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and small vessels. The announcement follows a series of rigorous trials, culminating in Exercise Wildfire off the Côte d’Azur from september 29th to October 2nd.
Developed by Thales in Belfast, the Martlet is a lightweight, laser-guided missile capable of exceeding Mach 1.5. Its agility and accuracy make it notably effective against fast-moving, small targets. The missile’s recent accomplished deployment in Exercise Wildfire demonstrated its ability to integrate seamlessly with allied forces and deliver a complete ”end-to-end kill chain.”
During the French-led exercise, which involved destroyers FS Forbin and FS Lorraine, alongside French and Royal Navy aircraft and helicopters, wildcats fired four Martlet missiles, achieving direct hits on four targets. These included a small Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) and an Alba UAS target drone, while providing defensive cover for the French warships. The exercise saw the Wildcat operating alongside French Navy Panther and NH-90 helicopters and Rafale jets.
“The trials have been described as the most comprehensive yet for the Wildcat Maritime Force, validating the aircraft’s weapon systems in challenging conditions and confirming the LMM’s readiness for operational deployment,” according to reporting from Navy Lookout.
The Martlet joins the heavier Sea Venom anti-ship missile,which recently achieved its own initial operating capability,to provide the Wildcat with a versatile weapons suite capable of engaging threats ranging from small uncrewed boats to corvette-sized warships. Crews also refined close-range engagement tactics using the .50 calibre M3M machine gun during the trials.
The British-made Martlet is gaining international recognition, underscored by a recent £350 million export order from the Indian Army, supporting approximately 700 jobs in Northern Ireland. Furthermore, several hundred Martlet missiles have been delivered to Ukraine ahead of schedule as part of the UK’s military assistance program.
The declaration of FOC for the Martlet missile represents a meaningful step forward in the Royal Navy’s ability to protect its assets and allies in an increasingly complex maritime environment.
