The Sea Skua is a British lightweight short-range air-to-surface missile (ASM) designed for use from helicopters against ships. It is primarily used by the Royal Navy on the Westland Lynx helicopter, although Kuwait uses it in a shore battery and on their Umm Al Maradem (Combattante BR-42) fast attack craft.
The British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) began development of the new weapon in May 1972. The British Government authorised its production in October 1975. At the time, the missile was known as CL 834. In November 1979 the first launches took place at the Aberporth Range in Cardigan Bay. Three missiles were launched from the ground and three by helicopters. Further tests were made and in July 1981, full-scale production was ordered of the new missile, now called "Sea Skua".
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