UAV event in Yemen on Sat 9th March 2024

Serving as part of a coalition force that repelled multiple attack drones launched by Houthi rebels, HMS Richmond destroyed 2 aerial drones with her Sea Ceptor missile system.

The US now says that its forces and Coalition partners downed a total of at least 28 Houthi one-way attack drones fired into the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden between 4:00am and 8:20am local time this morning.

HMS Richmond is the first warship to fire the Sea Ceptor missile system in combat. The MoD also published video showing the launches and EOD camera footage of the engagement which took place within visual range.

The MoD said: “Following this further illegal attack, and our previous strikes to degrade Houthi capabilities, we are unwavering in our position that we will take the action necessary to protect innocent lives and the global economy”.

Danish frigate HDMS Iver Huitfeld destroyed four of the drones and French frigate FS Alsace accounted for two more.

HMS Richmond was deployed to the Red Sea, initially to relieve HMS Diamond while she returned to Gibraltar for maintenance and to replenish after 2 months in action. Diamond left Gibraltar last week to rejoin the operation.