Royal Navy destroyer HMS Diamond has shot down a missile fired towards a merchant vessel by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The crew of the Type 45 air defence destroyer used her world-class Sea Viper missile system to shoot down the missile, which was targeting t shipping in the Gulf of Aden.
HMS Diamond is currently deployed in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to deter Houthi attacks, and ensure freedom of navigation in the vital shipping lane.
The deployment is part of the UK’s broader response to rebel attacks, which has also seen UK combat jets strike Houthi military targets in Yemen.
HMS Diamond is currently deployed in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to deter Houthi attacks
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Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “I want to thank the brave crew of HMS Diamond for her vital role in saving innocent lives and protecting international shipping from illegal Houthi attacks.
“The UK continues to be at the forefront of the international response to the Iranian-backed Houthis’ dangerous attacks on commercial vessels, which have claimed the lives of international mariners.”
HMS Diamond has operated in the region since March, having taken over from HMS Richmond.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
HMS Diamond has operated in the region since March, having taken over from HMS Richmond.
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During her deployment, HMS Richmond, a Type 23 Frigate successfully repelled a Houthi drone attack in the southern Red Sea, shooting down two attack drones using Sea Ceptor missiles.
HMS Diamond previously operated in the region in December and January, maintaining a near constant presence in the ‘high threat area’ of the Red Sea.
The destroyer came under fire in three separate attacks by Houthi rebels, successfully destroying nine drones using her missile system and guns.
HMS Diamond previously operated in the region in December and January
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The ship is equipped with Sea Viper missiles as well as Phalanx machine guns and 30mm cannons on each side of the ship.
The Phalanx can fire more than 3,000 rounds a minute.
The crew have also used the 30mm cannon to successfully shoot down a Houthi drone.