HMS Diamond shoots down hostile attack drone targeting cargo ships in Red Sea

HMS Diamond has shot down an attack drone that is believed to have been attempting to target merchant shipping in the Red Sea.

One Sea Viper missile was launched, successfully destroying the target.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: "The recent spate of illegal attacks represent a direct threat on international commerce and international security in the Red Sea.

"The UK remains committed to repelling these attacks to protect the free flow of global trade."

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The Type 45 destroyer was recently deployed to the region in response to rising tensions in the Middle East.

She joined HMS Lancaster, which has been in stationed in the Gulf since last year.