The British government announced on Sunday that the Royal Navy plans to develop missiles used to shoot down Houthi drones in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen. It stated that the "Sea Snake" air defense system will be equipped with more efficient missiles, including a new warhead and upgraded software programs that will enable it to overcome ballistic missile threats.
The upgraded missiles will help protect the British naval strike group and allow for the detection, targeting, and destruction of a variety of aerial threats at distances exceeding 70 miles. The development plan, valued at £405 million and to be implemented by MBDA missile systems, is expected to be completed by 2032, according to the British newspaper.
The government statement explained that the development would make the Sea Snake system "the most efficient naval air defense system ever developed for the Royal Navy," amidst ongoing Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps stated in the announcement, "As the situation in the Middle East deteriorates, it is essential that we adapt to safeguard the UK, our allies, and partners." He also added, "The Sea Viper system has been at the forefront of this effort, as it was the preferred weapon of the Navy in the first interception of an aerial threat in over 30 years."
