Spanish Navy trials new interceptor from Santa Maria-class frigate

June 25, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The Spanish Navy and defense technology company Destinus have conducted a demonstration launch of the Hornet Block 1 interceptor from the frigate F-81 Santa María.

According to Destinus, the trial involved the launch of a Hornet Block 1 interceptor from the Santa María-class frigate using a containerized deployment system. The demonstration was intended to assess how rapidly deployable interceptor systems could be integrated aboard existing warships to enhance protection against emerging aerial threats.

The company said the test focused on a maritime air-defense concept that would allow interceptor systems to be deployed without extensive modifications to naval vessels. No details were released regarding the test scenario, target type, or performance results.

Hornet Block 1 is a canister-launched interceptor developed by Destinus to counter subsonic aerial threats. According to the company, the system uses radar cueing and autonomous terminal guidance and is designed to operate in environments where satellite navigation signals are unavailable.

Destinus states that the interceptor is intended to engage threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles, loitering munitions, and coordinated drone attacks.

The demonstration comes as navies increasingly examine new methods of defending ships against the growing use of drones and other low-cost aerial threats. Containerized systems are attracting attention as a way to add defensive capacity to existing vessels without the need for major structural modifications or dedicated launch infrastructure.

Destinus said the trial was conducted in collaboration with the Spanish Navy as part of ongoing efforts to evaluate future maritime defense capabilities.

The F-81 Santa María is the lead ship of the Spanish Navy’s Santa María-class frigates, which are based on the US Navy’s Oliver Hazard Perry-class design.