UK Frigate Fires Naval Strike Missile in First Test
The UK’s HMS Somerset frigate has carried out the first firing of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) during Exercise Aegir 25 at the Andøya test range in northern Norway.
The exercise involved cooperation with Norwegian and Polish naval forces.
Months of preparation went into the launch, including system calibration, alignment checks, and sea acceptance trials.
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, the NSM manufacturer, provided technical support on board the frigate before and during the test.
The event marked the first operational integration of the missile within the UK Royal Navy fleet.
“This milestone, achieved through our exemplary international partnership with Norway, significantly enhances our maritime deterrent and underscores the government’s dedication to investing in the technologies that will maintain Britain’s security,” stated Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard.
“The NSM is one of the most advanced missiles in our naval arsenal. It will give the Royal Navy and our allies an edge against our enemies,” added Pollard.
Naval Strike Missile in the UK
The NSM is a fifth-generation precision strike missile weighing 400 kilograms (880 pounds), designed for both anti-ship and land-attack missions.
It is in service with the navies of Norway, the US, and Poland.
With a range exceeding 100 miles (160 kilometers), the missile flies at nearly supersonic speed.
It utilizes sea-skimming flight profiles, combined with advanced guidance, to minimize the chance of detection and interception.
Currently, the NSM is installed on the Royal Navy frigates HMS Somerset, HMS Richmond, and HMS Portland.
The NSM replaces the Harpoon missiles currently fitted on Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers, with improvements in range, electronics, and survivability.
It will operate alongside the future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW), a UK-French program to develop a long-range strike missile.
The FC/ASW is planned for deployment on the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, using the Mk41 vertical launch system.
