A Royal Navy warship has completed the first firing of the naval strike missile (NSM), capable of taking out enemy vessels at ranges of more than 100 miles.
Plymouth-based frigate HMS Somerset headed to Norway’s Arctic rocket range in Andøya. Staff from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace – who manufacture NSM – were on board HMS Somerset, supporting prior to and during the firing of the NSM.
The 400kg NSM can be used against warships or land targets and is 20 years newer, has a greater range, and is a far more capable successor than the Harpoon system on Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers.
“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 secure,” Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard , said.
The NSM, which is also in service with the Norwegian, US, and Polish navies, travels close to supersonic speeds (Mach 1) and can strike targets more than 100 miles away. It will be a complementary weapon for the ‘Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon’, which will be carried by the Royal Navy’s next-generation warships fitted with the Mk41 vertical launch system (including the new Type 26 and 31 frigates).
Currently, NSM is fitted to HMS Richmond, HMS Somerset, and HMS Portland.
Norwegian-led Aegir 25 continues to the end of September as partners conduct firings – including from land-based launch systems and by Norway’s Coastal Ranger Command.