HMS Boxer After Being Hit by Two Harpoon Anti-Ship Missiles
HMS Boxer, a Royal Navy Albion-class landing platform dock, was left heavily damaged after being struck by two Harpoon anti-ship missiles in what defense officials are calling one of the most serious naval incidents involving a British warship in decades. The attack occurred during a high-tension maritime operation, sending shockwaves through military and political circles and raising urgent questions about naval security in contested waters.
According to preliminary reports, the missiles impacted the vessel’s starboard side in quick succession. The first strike caused a massive explosion near the ship’s midsection, while the second detonated closer to the stern, igniting fires and triggering internal flooding. Despite the severity of the damage, HMS Boxer remained afloat, a testament to the ship’s robust design and the swift response of its crew.
Royal Navy sources confirmed that the ship’s automated damage-control systems activated immediately after the impacts. Fire suppression systems engaged within seconds, while watertight compartments were sealed to prevent catastrophic flooding. Crew members reportedly fought intense fires for several hours, navigating smoke-filled passageways and extreme heat to stabilize the ship.
Casualty figures have not been officially released, but authorities acknowledged that several sailors sustained injuries ranging from burns to blunt-force trauma. Medical teams onboard and from nearby allied vessels provided emergency treatment, and some personnel were evacuated once the situation was under control. Officials emphasized that there were no confirmed fatalities at the time of reporting.
HMS Boxer was operating as part of a multinational naval task force when the missiles were launched. The circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation, including how the missiles bypassed defensive systems and whether the strike was part of a larger coordinated assault. Defense analysts note that the Harpoon missile, though an older design, remains highly effective due to its sea-skimming flight profile and powerful high-explosive warhead.
The ship’s defensive suite, including radar, electronic countermeasures, and close-in weapon systems, reportedly engaged the incoming threats. However, at least two missiles managed to penetrate the defensive envelope, highlighting the challenges modern warships face against saturation attacks and advanced targeting methods.
In the aftermath of the strike, HMS Boxer was escorted to a secure port for emergency repairs and assessment. Images released by the Ministry of Defence show extensive external damage, scorched hull plating, and visible blast marks near the waterline. Naval engineers are now conducting a detailed structural evaluation to determine whether the ship can be fully repaired or will require long-term refit work.
Senior British defense officials condemned the attack, calling it a “dangerous escalation” and reaffirming the United Kingdom’s commitment to protecting its naval forces and allies. Statements emphasized that any response would be measured but firm, underscoring the seriousness with which the incident is being treated.
Military experts say the attack on HMS Boxer underscores a broader shift in naval warfare. Modern conflict increasingly favors precision-guided munitions and long-range strike capabilities, even against large, well-protected vessels. The incident is likely to influence future Royal Navy doctrine, particularly in areas such as layered missile defense, electronic warfare, and the deployment of escort ships.
For the crew of HMS Boxer, the incident stands as a powerful example of training under pressure. Naval leadership praised the sailors’ discipline and professionalism, noting that their actions likely prevented the loss of the ship. “Their courage and teamwork made the difference between survival and catastrophe,” one senior officer stated.
As investigations continue, the damaged warship remains a stark symbol of the evolving threats faced by modern navies. The strike on HMS Boxer will almost certainly be studied for years to come, shaping lessons in ship design, operational planning, and maritime security in an increasingly unstable global environment.
