Watch the Navy test the Venom Seaverom missile, which can destroy ships up to 12 miles away with its precise infrared seeker.

Incredible footage has been released of the Royal Navy testing its ВЈ1 billion Venom Seaverom missile, which can destroy ships at long range.

The Wildcat HMA MK2 already packs a punch, firing Stingray torpedoes at underwater threats and Martlet lightweight missiles at smaller targets.

The first guided launch of the Venom Anti-Thing missile was recorded credit: SWNS

The latest developments will give the Royal Navy's maritime helicopters an even bigger punch credit: SWNS

But until now, naval helicopters haven't had the means to target larger ships like corvettes.

That's now changed, as the Venom missile was launched at a training target for the first time at Mods Aberport firing range in Wales.

This means choppers' attacks will soon pack an even bigger punch, taking out more heavily armored ships.

The missile is a major upgrade over the Martlet, providing ten times the firepower and designed specifically to deal with more heavily armored ships. Read UK news

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Lieutenant Robin Kenchington of the Royal Navy's Naval Air Service said: "It was fantastic to see a full demonstration of the rocket.

"Every aspect of the launch went well, from the ease of use for the crew, to the performance of the rocket in flight and the accuracy of the target.

"It's another powerful addition to the Wildcat arsenal, improving the ability of frontline crews to fight at longer distances.

The target ship was designed and built by engineers at Qinetiq, and was made by stacking three containers on a barge.

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Each wall of the container was fitted with several individually controlled heating elements to more accurately simulate a target.

The launch marks a key milestone in the integration of Sea Toxin into the Wildcat.

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It will join a powerful family of weapons protecting Royal Navy warships, namely the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier.

Pete Fawcett, senior owner responsible for future air-guided surface weapons, said: "This first guided launch marks an important step forward in the integration of the Sea Venom onto the Royal Navy's Wildcat helicopters.

The success of the trial is the result of excellent teamwork between Leonardo UK, MBDA, Qinetiq and the Ministry of Defence.

Yeovilton-based Wildcat Maritime Unit has around 400 personnel and 28 Wildcats under two squadrons and is driving the naval variant of this helicopter, the HMA MK2, into the future.

815 Naval Air Squadron is responsible for frontline operational projects on Royal Navy ships around the world.

Meanwhile, its sister operation 825 Naval Air Squadron trains and develops the aircraft, identifying and understanding its capabilities.

Commissioned in 2015, the Wildcat has gained impressive firepower in recent years with the addition of new weapons, including torpedoes and missiles.

The helicopter also has an A. 50 at its door. It is fitted with a 1000mm caliber machine gun, can house a Royal Marines sniper team and can attack drug smuggling boats from long range.

The programme was a joint effort between Ministry of Defence and industry teams across the UK and consisted of one firing.

Helicopter Commander Admiral Nick Sargent added: "These firings mark a vital step forward in integrating the Sea Missile into our already exceptional helicopters and providing the Royal Navy with a world class capability.

I would like to thank everyone in industry and the Ministry of Defence who has worked so hard to achieve this milestone.

What is Sea Venom?

Sea Venom is the latest weapon to be deployed, replacing the Sea Skua which was launched in 2017.

This modern anti-ship missile is capable of engaging targets from a safe distance of up to 20km. 30 1000km warhead.

The missile offers a variety of flight profiles, including over the ocean, and can be launched in a single shot.

This is a major technological leap for the Wildcat, and it features a two-way data link that allows the operator to control the missile in flight.

This means it can change position, revise final target and safely abort the mission if necessary.

This comes after the first launch of Britain's new nuclear attack submarine, equipped with a Rolls-Royce reactor and six torpedoes.

HMS Agamemnon is the Royal Navy's newest Astut-class attack submarine, and was launched at BAE Systems' Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria.

Named after the ancient Greek king who started the Trojan War, the ship is the sixth of seven designed and built at the historic Barrow shipyard, home to the UK's submarine building industry.