By admin 
MBDA’s Sea Venom anti-surface missile has achieved a key milestone with its first successful guided live firing from a Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter, conducted at the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) Aberporth range in Wales. This successful trial marks a major step forward in enhancing the offensive capabilities of the Royal Navy’s Wildcat helicopters, equipping them with a powerful anti-surface weapon system capable of engaging targets up to the size of corvettes. The Sea Venom system is set to support the UK’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) deployment, starting with CSG25 and beyond.
Sea Venom introduces advanced technological capabilities, offering precise effects across a variety of maritime threats—even in complex environments. Equipped with a high-speed, two-way data link, the missile transmits real-time images from its infrared seeker back to the operator, allowing continuous control and updates throughout the missile’s flight. This control includes options for inflight re-targeting, correction of the final aim point, and even mission abort, enhancing both flexibility and mission safety.
The live fire trial was the result of extensive collaboration between the UK MOD and industry partners including MBDA, Leonardo Helicopters, and QinetiQ. “This guided firing is a significant step forward for integrating Sea Venom onto the Royal Navy’s Wildcat helicopters,” said Pete Fawcett, Senior Responsible Owner for the UK MOD. “The success of the trial is a testament to the outstanding team effort across industry and MOD.”
The integration of Sea Venom complements the Wildcat’s existing weaponry, which includes the Martlet missile, further enhancing the helicopter’s adaptability and lethality in both sea and coastal suppression missions. With a 30 kg-class warhead, 20 km range, and sea-skimming flight capability, Sea Venom offers versatile engagement options, including salvo firing. Its imaging infrared seeker technology provides a reliable ‘fire-and-forget’ capability, maintaining accuracy even in challenging littoral environments.
Lieutenant Commander Robin Kenchington of the Royal Navy’s test and evaluation squadron highlighted the missile’s impact: “The Wildcat now boasts a formidable new capability, allowing front-line crews to engage threats from a safe stand-off distance, thus maximizing their effectiveness while minimizing exposure to enemy defenses.”
This milestone underscores the Royal Navy’s commitment to technological advancement, ensuring its forces remain well-equipped to face a dynamic and increasingly complex maritime landscape. As the Sea Venom missile system readies for deployment, it brings the Royal Navy closer to achieving its goals for Carrier Strike Group 25 and securing maritime dominance in critical operational theaters.
Edited: Katerina Urbanova
Photo Credit: MBDA/ Picture courtesy of the Royal Navy and Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S)