HMS Somerset completes first firing of advanced strike weapon in arctic exercise
The Royal Navy has successfully completed the first live firing of its new long-range Naval Strike Missile (NSM), marking a major step forward in the UK’s maritime combat capability.
Milestone in UK-Norway defence partnership
Plymouth-based HMS Somerset carried out the test at Norway’s Andøya Rocket Range during Exercise Aegir 25, alongside Norwegian and Polish allies. The launch demonstrated the missile’s ability to destroy enemy ships and land targets at ranges exceeding 100 miles.
The 400kg missile, developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, travels close to supersonic speeds (Mach 1), flying just above the sea to evade detection. It replaces the ageing Harpoon system on Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers, offering 20 years of technological advancement and vastly improved precision and range.
“This milestone, achieved through our exemplary international partnership with Norway, significantly enhances our maritime deterrent,” said Defence Readiness Minister Luke Pollard. “The NSM gives the Royal Navy and our allies an edge against our enemies.”
Somerset leads the fleet upgrade
HMS Somerset is the first Royal Navy ship to fire the NSM, with HMS Richmond and HMS Portland also now equipped with the system. The successful test follows months of trials and calibration, including alignment checks and sea acceptance testing.
Commander Matt Millyard, Somerset’s Commanding Officer, praised his crew’s efforts: “This is not something that comes together easily and has involved an incredible amount of work by the crew and defence staff. The professionalism and teamwork throughout the planning and execution have been exemplary.”
Engineers from Kongsberg were on board to support the firing, which capped off a year of intensive collaboration between the UK and Norwegian defence industries.
New era for naval firepower
The NSM forms part of the Royal Navy’s broader modernisation drive, complementing the forthcoming Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) that will equip next-generation Type 26 and Type 31 frigates.
Programme Director Commander Matthew Cox said the rapid rollout of the system showcased the UK’s growing defence cooperation with Norway: “The UK achieved its first ship installation within just 12 months of approval – an unprecedented pace for a complex weapons programme. This firing highlights the enduring strength of our strategic partnership.”
Boosting Britain’s deterrent at sea
As Exercise Aegir 25 continues through the end of September, allied navies – including Norway’s Coastal Ranger Command – are conducting coordinated missile firings both at sea and from land-based systems.
The successful test firing cements the UK’s place among NATO’s most advanced maritime forces and marks a decisive leap in the Royal Navy’s ability to deter, strike and defend in contested waters worldwide.
