The Royal Navy has declared full operational capability for the Thales UK‑produced Martlet lightweight multirole missile aboard Leonardo Helicopters' Wildcat HMA2 after Exercise Wildfire, where Wildcats used Martlets to engage unmanned aerial targets and surface boats in live‑fire trials validating counter‑UAS and littoral strike roles.
Discovered |
Briefing
Confirms a new rotary‑wing strike and counter‑UAS capability for the Royal Navy: FOC follows Exercise Wildfire live‑fire engagements that proved Martlet against both unmanned aerial and surface targets; this shifts Wildcat HMA2 mission sets toward littoral strike and self‑protection.
Strengthens UK industrial integration and in‑service capability delivery: the Thales–Leonardo fielding complements the Royal Navy’s recent push to validate ship and sea‑based strike options, reinforcing a broader maritime strike build‑out (see recent Royal Navy ship‑launched missile demonstrations: https://hype.aero/?story=7c7a3a5d-a89f-4083-9ada-973225a125b8).
Fits a wider trend toward low‑cost precision and counter‑drone solutions across air platforms, aligning with recent allied counter‑UAS and rapid integration efforts (examples: Dutch F‑35A drone engagement https://hype.aero/?story=5965d247-77ae-42f4-8c13-a83f097ca8ec and rapid APKWS integration on tactical jets https://hype.aero/?story=a36f2867-6943-4851-b665-3d0ff6c19f2c).
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FlightGlobal
• Craig Hoyle