BRITAIN has successfully launched new 430mph Skyhammer interceptor missiles – designed to take down Iranian suicide drones.
The state-of-the-art rockets were tested in Jordan and are set to be used by UK Armed Forces to decimate Shahed drones targeting Gulf allies.
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A groundbreaking new interceptor has been launched Credit: UK MOD Crown copyright
The missiles, produced by UK start-up Cambridge Aerospace, have a max range of 30km and can travel at breakneck speeds of up to 430mph.
Skyhammer rockets also use active X-band radar seekers for better weather capabilities.
The Ministry of Defence said: “The UK military and Gulf partners will be better protected against drone attacks following the successful testing of new British-built Skyhammer interceptor missiles and launchers in Jordan.”
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard said: “We are stepping up alongside UK industry to offer rapid support to our partners in the Middle East.”
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The Skyhammer interceptor is designed to destroy Iranian suicide drones Credit: UK MOD Crown copyright
UK forces have already downed Iranian drones across the Middle East Credit: SWNS
He added: “This week’s successful trial of Cambridge Aerospace’s Skyhammer interceptor missiles in Jordan is a perfect example of a UK start up innovating, with the backing of this government, to deliver cutting edge technology.”
The MoD signed a multimillion-pound contract with Cambridge Aerospace prior to the launch, a deal which they say will help Britain spend 2.6 per cent of GDP on defence from 2027.
CEO of Cambridge Aerospace Steven Barrett said the interceptors were “cost-effective but also highly capable”.
It comes after dramatic footage showed British troops ducking for cover after coming under attack by an Iranian missile at a Middle East base.
Skyhammer missiles will help protect the UK’s allies in the Gulf Credit: UK MOD Crown copyright
RAF Akrotiri on March 1 in Cyprus, which was targeted by Iranian drones at the start of the war Credit: AFP
Gulf allies have been targeted by Iranian drone and missile attacks since the start of the war on February 28.
Shocking clips showed soldiers from the RAF Counter Uncrewed Aerial System team prepared for an attack at a UK base.
The MoD did not say the exact base the soldiers were at but Iran did target British HQs, striking RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus on March 1 with a drone and firing missiles at UK-US run Diego Garcia.
Separate footage shared by the MoD, shows the moment a drone is wiped out and sent plumenting out of the sky by the RAF.
Soldiers were operating Rapid Sentries – ground-based, short-range counter-drone missile systems – to blast enemy aircraft during the conflict.
Rapid Sentries are used to protect key infrastructure from air attacks in defensive missions.
The air defence system is armed with Lightweight Multirole Missiles.
Celebrating the UK’s courage out in the Middle East, Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns said last month: “I am hugely proud of our RAF Regiment.
“They are protecting British lives and British interests, and doing so in the finest traditions of the RAF Regiment.
“Several of these heroes have achieved ‘ace’ status neutralising Iranian drones. The first of its kind, it isn’t just impressive, it is exceptional.
“We don’t say it enough in the UK, but thank you for your Service.”
