"It was 30 years ago today......" Topic

Thirty years ago today during the first Gulf War, HMS Gloucester shoots down a Silkworm missile heading for the USS Missouri with Sea Dart. The first and still the only confirmed successful missile-on-missile interception in action at sea. I had the pleasure of working with Gloucester on a mumber of occasions and as I recall her Sea Dart launcher is preserved (along with appropriate "kill" marking) the the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower in Gosport.

Thirty years later, both offensive and defensive missiles are vastly more effective than even imagined back then.

I can only hope we have the best of each flavor now, but--God Help Us--looks like we'll find out the hard way when it's time to romp with the Chinese.

TVAG

I remember this only too well, I wonder what the radar operator the USN dubbed 'Hawkeye' is doing now?

A hearty thank you to those brothers across the seas. Just one of many as our nations have stood side by side for decades.
May that action and countless more shared always be remembered.
Gloucester has two different but special meanings to to
both England and the United States. A name to be revered
always.

Raising a toast, thank you David for the post and a reminder
of the service of those who served after many of us.

God Save the Queen and the United States of America!

Semper Fi!

Sam Lemonds

David here's a what if question. What would the effect of a silkworm missile on the USS Missouri have been?

Not good – SS-N-2 and its derivatives had armour piercing warheads that were highly effective. There was definitely the potential for some serious damage.

David Manley,
Does this mean the USS Mason missile intercepts are still not considered confirmed?

I also wonder if any Sea Wolf missiles downed any Exocets during the war???

gregmita2:

Based on the behavior of the incoming missile after the Standards intercepted, I'd have to see overwhelming evidence to accept that they hit it.

ECM or simple poor guidance are quite likely.