Watch dramatic moment Royal Navy shoots down missile in combat for first time in 32 years

Sky News report on HMS Diamond shooting down a Houthi missile

In a dramatic video, the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Diamond is seen intercepting and shooting down a missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeting a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden.

The incident took place on Wednesday, highlighting the critical role the Royal Navy plays in maintaining security in one of the world's most strategic waterways.

The missile was destroyed by HMS Diamond's advanced Sea Viper missile system, as confirmed by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). The action likely saved the lives of crew members on board the targeted vessel and prevented damage to the ship itself.

UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps expressed his gratitude to the Royal Navy crew, noting that their swift and effective response helped "save innocent lives" and protect shipping routes.

The Royal Navy destroyer, HMS Diamond (Image: AP)

He emphasised the UK's leading role in the international effort to counter dangerous attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis, who have been increasingly targeting commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.

"The UK continues to be at the forefront of the international response to the Iranian-backed Houthis' dangerous attacks on commercial vessels, which have claimed the lives of international mariners," Shapps told the press.

He also noted that this was the first time since the Gulf War in 1991 that a Royal Navy warship had intercepted a missile in combat.

The Houthis have stated that their attacks target vessels associated with Israel and the West, in response to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East between Israel and Gaza.

The targeting has caused significant disruption to global shipping, with some of the largest shipping companies rerouting to avoid the Red Sea, resulting in increased costs.

On the same day, the Houthis claimed to have attacked the US ship Maersk Yorktown and an American destroyer in the Gulf of Aden. The MoD said that HMS Diamond's deployment in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden is part of the UK's broader response to the ongoing Houthi threat.

HMS Diamond has a history of operations in the region. Last December and January, the destroyer came under fire in three separate attacks by Houthi forces, underscoring the continued risks in the area and the need for robust defence measures to ensure the safety of commercial shipping.