The launch during Exercise Aegir 25 marks a decisive step in the modernization of Britain’s anti-ship capability
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The frigate HMS Somerset (F 82), of the Type 23 class, became the first ship of the British Royal Navy to carry out a practical launch of the new Naval Strike Missile (NSM), produced by the Norwegian group Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The firing took place during Exercise Aegir 25, held in northern Norway.
Somerset had already made history in December 2023, when it became the first Royal Navy ship to receive the NSM launchers, installed in place of the old American Harpoon Block 1C missiles (RGM-84D, British designation GWS 60), which are scheduled to be definitively retired from service in 2026.
Currently, other Type 23 frigates, such as Richmond and Portland, have also been equipped with the new weapon system.
Partnership with Norway
The program to replace the Harpoon with the NSM began in November 2022, when the Ministries of Defence of the United Kingdom and Norway signed an intergovernmental agreement for the supply of the missiles. The system not only increases the offensive capability of the British fleet but also strengthens interoperability between NATO’s allied navies.
The NSM is considered a state-of-the-art missile, with a range of over 180 km, stealth capability, advanced guidance, and high precision against naval and coastal targets, representing a qualitative leap compared to the previous armament.
Naval modernization
With the adoption of the NSM, the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom strengthens its combat capability in high-intensity scenarios, replacing a system in use since the 1980s with a more modern and effective solution.
The successful launch by HMS Somerset demonstrates not only the integration of the new weapon but also the progress in the modernization of the British fleet.
Source and images: Royal Navy. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
