One of the UK's most advanced warships has obliterated a supersonic missile in a historic first for the Royal Navy in a test off the Scottish coast.
In a burst of fire and smoke, Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon launched a specially-modified Sea Viper missile at an incoming high-speed target which was emulating advanced threats similar to those seen globally today.
It marks the first time the Royal Navy has faced down a target of this kind, being significantly more challenging as it flies faster and carries out corkscrew and weave manoeuvres.
The Sea Viper launched was a special telemetry version, designed to record measurements and valuable data to inform future operations.
The missile firing took place as part of the largest live-firing exercise in Europe this year - known as Exercise Formidable Shield 25 - which is proving the Portsmouth-based ship's ability to defend herself and other ships around her from attack, including from swarms of drones.
