France, May 20 -- The Martlet weapon system by Thales has officially achieved full operating capability (FOC) with the Royal Navy. In service on Wildcat helicopters since 2020, the system has undergone extensive trials to provide additional capability. Originally designed to fire from heights of over 500 ft at surface targets, it has been successfully trialled to fire from just 50 ft. The reduced altitude enables helicopters to navigate adverse weather conditions and more accurately target small to medium size threats, such as small surface vessels. Furthermore, the system has proven highly effective against aerial threats such as unmanned aerial systems or helicopters. This advancement means that Martlet is the Royal Navy's go-to effector ...