HMS Argyll has successfully conducted the first firings of the Sea Ceptor system, is being fitted to replace the Sea Wolf weapon system on Royal Navy Type 23 frigates.
Royal Navy frigate HMS Argyll has successfully conducted the first firings of the Sea Ceptor air defence system. The system, which utilises MBDA’s next-generation Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM), is being fitted to replace the Sea Wolf weapon system on Royal Navy Type 23 frigates as part of their life-extension programme. The new missile is designed to offer enhanced protection against anti-ship cruise missiles, aircraft and other highly sophisticated threats.
HMS Argyll is the first Type 23 to undergo the life-extension programme, and will conduct further firing trials of the Sea Ceptor system before returning to frontline service. Sea Ceptor not only provides a robust self-defence capability for the host vessel but also a local area air defence competency to defend consort vessels within a maritime task group.
Designed and manufactured by MBDA in the UK, Sea Ceptor will also protect the Royal Navy’s future Type 26 frigates, while the Land Ceptor variant will replace Rapier in British Army service.
CAMM features an active radar seeker and datalink, eliminating the need for a dedicated fire control radar. This not only removes cost and weight from the vessel, it makes integration simpler and means that Sea Ceptor can intercept more targets simultaneously, and across 360 degrees – something a semi-active system cannot achieve.