The Royal Navy fired a supersonic missile at an old US warship during a naval exercise near the UK coast, according to footage released by the UK defense ministry. The incident occurred off the southern coast of England, where the British fleet conducted a live-fire drill. The missile, launched from a Royal Navy vessel, struck the US ship, which was participating in the joint exercise.
The exercise, part of routine military training, involved multiple naval units from both countries. The US warship, identified as the USS Lake Champlain, was reportedly in the early stages of decommissioning. The missile strike was a controlled test to evaluate the effectiveness of the Royal Navy’s weaponry.
Officials confirmed the incident was intentional and part of the exercise protocol. No injuries were reported, and the US vessel was able to continue its operations after the strike. The event highlights the ongoing cooperation between the UK and the US in maritime defense.
The footage from the Royal Navy’s deck shows the missile launch in real time, capturing the moment of impact. The exercise underscores the strategic relationship between the two nations and their shared commitment to naval readiness.
