British destroyer missile upgrade second stage still under review

The UK Ministry of Defence continues to assess Sea Viper Evolution Capability 2, the proposed second stage of the Type 45 destroyers' ballistic-missile-defence upgrade. The programme would use the Aster 30 Block 1 NT missile, incorporating a new Ka-band active radar seeker and upgraded weapon controller for theatre-level missile defence. Defence minister Luke Pollard said the option remained part of wider capability planning, while the government was already delivering improvements through Capability 1. The latter is expected to reach full operating capability in late 2032, and the latest statement does not announce a Capability 2 production commitment or delivery schedule.