Missile Sea Skua

The Sea Skua originated from a requirement to counter small, fast-attack craft armed with anti-ship missiles, a threat underscored by the 1967 sinking of the Eilat. Previous attempts to develop dual-purpose surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles resulted in systems either too large for small vessels or lacking sufficient payload. Development began in 1972 to create a helicopter-launched weapon, allowing the launch platform to engage targets while remaining outside the range of light anti-aircraft defenses. Production was authorized in 1975, with the first flight tests occurring in 1979. The missile entered service in 1982.

This air-to-surface missile utilizes a two-stage solid fuel propulsion system consisting of a steel-bodied booster and a light alloy sustainer. It operates at high subsonic speeds. Guidance is provided by semi-active radar homing in conjunction with a radar altimeter. During flight, the missile maintains a preselected cruise altitude based on sea conditions before climbing to acquire the target's radar signature for the terminal phase. This profile allows the missile to approach below the radar horizon of the target. The primary launch platform is the Westland Lynx helicopter, though it is also deployed via shore batteries and fast attack craft. Target illumination is required throughout the flight, typically provided by the carrier's onboard radar. Available warhead options include a blast fragmentation unit or a semi-armour piercing variant containing RDX, aluminum, and wax. Both utilize an impact-delayed fuze to ensure detonation after hull penetration.

The missile has been exported to several countries, including Germany, India, Kuwait, Turkey, Brazil, Pakistan, Malaysia, and South Korea. It was first used in combat during the Falklands War, where it was launched eight times and achieved multiple strikes against Argentine vessels. Engagements included the disabling of the patrol boat Alferez Sobral and the destruction of the cargo ship Río Carcarañá. During the Gulf War, Royal Navy Lynx helicopters used the missile against Iraqi naval forces. These operations resulted in the sinking or destruction of numerous minesweepers, landing craft, and fast attack craft, particularly during engagements near Failaka Island. The Royal Malaysian Navy conducted test firings in 2006 and 2008; the first failed due to a technical fault and the second struck a surface target at range. The Royal Navy withdrew the system from service in 2017, with the Sea Venom designated as its successor.