UK's Type 45 Destroyer Attacked, Full Firepower Still Failed to Intercept, Hit Successfully by Missile!

According to assessment reports cited by Israel’s Channel 14, Lebanon launched a land-to-sea missile at a UK warship located approximately 70 nautical miles off the Lebanese coast, causing damage. The media reported that the target was the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon (D35).

However, other reports suggest the attacked vessel might have been the Royal Navy supply ship HMS Lymington instead. The Israeli Defense Forces denied carrying out the attack. The UK Ministry of Defence also rejected claims of a Lebanese anti-ship missile strike, asserting that the HMS Dragon was in perfect condition and had not been attacked.

Nonetheless, the HMS Dragon had indeed been deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean. This deployment was intended to provide air defense cover for the RAF Akrotiri Air Base in Cyprus, which had recently suffered a drone attack. The UK has expressed concern over this incident.

The HMS Dragon is a British Type 45 air-defense destroyer equipped with the Sea Viper air defense system, featuring the SAMPSON multi-function radar. Theoretically, it can simultaneously counter multiple aerial threats. It serves as a core strategic platform for the UK’s presence in the region. With a relatively large radar cross-section and continuous electronic emissions, its appearance may resemble that of Israeli surface vessels.

Lebanese eyewitnesses stated that the warship attempted to intercept the incoming missile but failed. The HMS Dragon is a frontline missile destroyer of the UK. With an displacement of around 8,000 tons and a crew of over 190 personnel, it is specifically designed to defend against aircraft, missiles, and drones. A hit would have serious consequences.

Da Ge believes it is likely that a UK warship was indeed attacked, but whether it was the Type 45 destroyer remains unconfirmed. If the Type 45 destroyer were hit, the Royal Navy would suffer a major embarrassment.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861776584812556/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.