HMS Argyll fires Sea Ceptor
The Royal Navy's new Sea Ceptor air missile defence system has been fired from Type 23 frigate HMS Argyll for the first time in successful trials, it was announced on 4 September.
The missiles were launched from Argyll off the coast of Scotland.
The Sea Ceptor system, which uses MBDA’s Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM), is being fitted to replace the Sea Wolf weapon system on the Type 23 frigates as part of a life-extension programme.
HMS Argyll, the first Type 23 vessel to undergo the life-extension work, will conduct further firing trials of the Sea Ceptor system before returning to frontline service.
Sea Ceptor will provide protection against anti-ship cruise missiles, aircraft and other threats.The missile’s aerodynamic design provides improved performance in the air and makes it highly compact for installation onboard ship. Sea Ceptor uses a soft vertical launch system that reduces the impact of a traditional hot launch missile on both the ship and the crew.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class]()
US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
-
![Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS]()
Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS
While the Australian government insists the investment is predominantly aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities, the upgrade also bodes well for the AUKUS pact which Australia’s defence minister said “is going well”.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
