In a high-octane display of military precision, a Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter was caught on film shooting down multiple drones during a weapons trial off the coast of Wales. The footage, taken during Exercise Sharpshooter, offers a rare glimpse into the impressive capabilities of the Navy as it tests its defences in real-world scenarios.
Led by HMS Dauntless, the Type 45 destroyer, this five-day exercise saw the Royal Navy and QinetiQ personnel working in tandem to neutralise a variety of air and sea-based threats. The star of the show? The Wildcat helicopter, armed with Martlet missiles that showcased its pinpoint accuracy as it obliterated swarms of simulated drones with military-grade precision.
The footage, captured by LPHOT Walton, is Crown Copyright 2025 and is a powerful reminder of the Royal Navy’s growing expertise in countering modern aerial threats. During the exercise, over 350 personnel tested their skills in defending against everything from drone swarms to uncrewed surface vessels. It wasn’t just about precision though; it was about ensuring the Navy is ready to deal with the complex, high-speed threats of the future.
This exercise was more than just a training drill. It mirrored real-world operations like the recent encounters in the Red Sea, where HMS Diamond successfully intercepted Houthi drone and missile attacks. Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard MP, who was on hand to observe, was quick to commend the impressive speed and skill demonstrated by the crew of HMS Dauntless.
“The speed and skill shown by the crew of HMS Dauntless in defending the ship against a complex and sustained series of drone attacks was incredibly impressive,” Pollard remarked, recognising the value of such training in preparing for unpredictable threats.
HMS Dauntless didn’t rely solely on the Wildcat helicopter’s Martlet missiles to defend itself. The destroyer deployed a full suite of weapons systems, including the Phalanx close-in weapon system, 30mm and 4.5-inch guns, and other defensive measures. All of these came into play as the ship tackled simulated threats, including QinetiQ’s Banshee Whirlwind aerial drones and Hammerhead uncrewed surface vessels.
Commander Ben Dorrington, Commanding Officer of HMS Dauntless, praised the exercise for its realistic simulation. “The exercise provided a unique opportunity for the ship’s company to demonstrate they are ready to defend, ready to fight and ready to win,” he said, highlighting how vital these trials are in ensuring the crew’s readiness for any situation they may face.
This live-fire trial isn’t just a display of might; it’s the final qualification step before HMS Dauntless embarks on the UK’s Carrier Strike Group deployment to the Indo-Pacific later this year. With the stakes this high, every shot fired and every defence deployed in this exercise is a step closer to ensuring the safety and success of future missions.
