HMS Lancaster in Gulf Patrol: Wildcat Sniper Halts Drug Run with Precision Shot
HMS Lancaster has successfully intercepted a substantial drug shipment in the Gulf of Oman, recovering drugs valued at over £35 million. The operation was notably executed by Royal Marine snipers who utilized precision shots to halt a high-speed skiff involved in the narcotics run.
Details of the Operation
The action began at dawn when Lancaster’s 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) deployed the Wildcat helicopter for routine surveillance. During this operation, the crew spotted three skiffs traveling rapidly and initiated covert tracking.
- The Wildcat helicopter provided vital intelligence.
- A Peregrine Remote Weapon System Unmanned Aircraft System (RWUAS) was launched for undetected surveillance.
- This technology fed live imagery back to the operations room of HMS Lancaster.
Engagement and Recovery
After refueling and adding a Maritime Sniper Team from 42 Commando, the Wildcat returned to the scene. Upon sighting the helicopter, the skiff crews accelerated above 40 knots, discarding illegal packages into the sea. Two skiffs were abandoned, but one continued to evade capture.
Royal Marines effectively engaged the fleeing skiff, employing a single round of disabling fire that targeted the engine, forcing it to a stop. HMS Lancaster’s sea boats then recovered the drugs, amounting to over 1.5 tonnes of heroin, crystal methamphetamine, and hashish. They also discovered a partially submerged skiff in the vicinity.
Significance of the Operation
This operation marks the second significant drug seizure by HMS Lancaster in 2025. Earlier in May, the vessel captured £30 million worth of illegal substances. Notably, this operation highlighted the first documented use of non-lethal disabling fire by Royal Marines in the Gulf region, which aligns with counter-narcotics techniques more common in the Caribbean.
Future of HMS Lancaster
HMS Lancaster is slated to return to the UK soon, with plans for decommissioning in November 2025. There are discussions about potentially replacing the frigate in the Gulf with a Batch II Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV).
