System enables frigates to fire at multiple supersonic targets

The £483m Sea Ceptor, announced by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 30 January, will be the first UK system to eject missiles from the launcher using a piston before they ignite — known as a ’soft’ or ’cold’ vertical launch.

As well as providing the navy’s Type 23 frigates with a similar homing missile capability to the larger Type 45 destroyers — the UK-designed-and-built system could create strong export opportunities, according to its developer MBDA.

‘We think this is quite unique in terms of its combination of capability, performance and affordability,’ Nick Neale, MBDA’s project director for Sea Ceptor, told The Engineer. ‘We are very excited by the opportunities this gives for the export market, which is a real priority.’

The MoD has awarded MBDA the contract to build a demonstration version of the technology, which the navy intends to use on the planned fleet of Type 26 Global Combat Ships, but could also be adapted for use on land and in the air.