A Royal Navy warship has completed the first firing of new ship-busting missiles 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 to unleash the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) during an exercise – known as Aegir 25 – alongside Norwegian and Polish allies.
The successful missile launch marks a major milestone on the journey to make the Royal Navy more lethal – and is demonstration of the strong bilateral cooperation between the UK and Norway.
The 400kg NSM can be used against warships or land targets and is 20 years newer, has greater range and is a far more capable successor than the Harpoon system on Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard said: “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.”
“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.”
Commander Matt Millyard, Commanding Officer of HMS Somerset said: “I am very proud of the team following the successful first of class firing of the Naval Strike Missile.
“This is not something that comes together easily and has involved an incredible amount of work by the crew and staff from across the defense enterprise.
“The professionalism and teamwork demonstrated by all throughout the planning and execution has been exemplary.”