Britain – Live firing has confirmed the Martlet missile’s Full Operational Capability, capping extensive tests carried out at Aberporth and other ranges.

The Lightweight Multirole Missile, known to the Royal Navy as Martlet, blasted drones from the sky and struck surface targets during final day and night trials.

Trial scenes ranged from shots off the Welsh coast to engagements in the French Mediterranean, reportedly leaving behind “nothing but wreckage”.

Launched from Wildcat helicopters, Martlet can reach up to one and a half times the speed of sound. Despite its small size and cost-effectiveness, trials showed it to be highly manoeuvrable and lethal.

Using Aberporth’s ranges in Cardigan Bay, the weapon was tested against bespoke targets designed to mimic small uncrewed boats, proving the Wildcat–Martlet pairing against modern uncrewed threats.

The tests formed part of Exercise Wildfire and underlined close operational cooperation with France, strengthening interoperability and combined readiness in a complex maritime setting.

Produced in Belfast, Martlet will be supplied to the Indian Army under a £350 million deal, supporting 700 jobs in Northern Ireland. Hundreds of missiles were also delivered to Ukraine five months ahead of schedule under the UK gifting programme.

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