Exercise Whippet - successful combined tactical firing of Exocet missiles. Article by Lt Cdr P.G. van den Berg Photos courtesy Naval Weapons Analysis Section (NWAS).

The South African Navy conducted its first combined tactical Exocet Missile firing exercise recently. The two frigates, SAS SPIOENKOP and SAS MENDI, fired the two missiles at MFV AZALEA, a derelict fishing trawler given to the SA Navy by I&J fishing company to sink. The firing was conducted on Thursday 28 June in Exercise Area Pandora, 50 nautical miles south of Cape Point.

THe Exocet MM40 Block 1 missile leaves its launcher.

The two frigates were sailing approximately 7 nm abeam of each other, when they altered course to launch their missiles. The SAS SPIOENKOP, with SAS MENDI stationed to port, fired her missile to starboard whilst SAS MENDI fired her missile to port.

The two Exocet MM40 block 1 missiles left their launchers to arrive at the target within seconds of each other. The target, some 25 nm (±47km) away, was broken in two and sunk within minutes.

Notice the cover flying off to the left of the picture.	Once clear of the launcher the rockets of the missile engage.

SAS PROTEA towed the target towards the missile firing range, while SAS GALESHEWE, a Maritime Patrol Aircraft from 35 Squadron and an Oryx helicopter from 22 Squadron assisted with range clearance.

The cover disengages from the missile launcher.

This exercise proved that the South African Navy is a maritime force to be reckoned with and that the systems and weapons onboard the new frigates are operational and ready.