The delivery will see a significant number of the Martlet maritime anti-surface missile systems delivered to the Fleet Air Arm for use against threats from drones to small, fast attack boats.
Weighing only 13kg each, the missiles provide a versatile and precise weapon and were first fired at sea during the UK Carrier Strike Deployment in 2021.
Martlet has since supported operations In the Middle East, protecting commercial ships from attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
Hundreds of the missiles have also been gifted to Ukraine, as they have fought to repel the illegal Russian invasion which started in February 2022.
Commander Alasdair Lang, Wildcat Maritime Force Commander, said: “The Martlet Missile is crucial in ensuring the Wildcat helicopter remains at the forefront of the RN’s attack capabilities, supporting the protection of shipping and countering more general threats to UK interests across the globe, as most recently demonstrated during deployments to the Red Sea.
“This announcement underpins the important support provided by DE&S and our industry partners, continuing our strong relationship with them to ensure that frontline maritime Wildcat is suitably equipped.”
