The successful test took place at the Andøya test range and was supported by Norwegian defence firm Kongsberg, which manufactures the 400kg missile. The NSM can hit targets at more than 100 miles and is a significant upgrade on the ageing Harpoon system previously used by the Royal Navy.
.@HMSSomerset unleashes the Naval Strike Missile – the first Royal Navy firing of the new ship-busting missiles, capable of targeting and destroying enemy vessels from over 100 miles away.
— Royal Navy (@RoyalNavy) September 29, 2025
Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, 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,” he added.
HMS Somerset’s Commanding Officer, Commander Matt Millyard, praised his crew’s work following the launch. “I am very proud of the team following the successful first of class firing of the Naval Strike Missile,” he said.
“This is not something that comes together easily and has involved an incredible amount of work by the crew and staff from across the defence enterprise. The professionalism and teamwork demonstrated by all throughout the planning and execution has been exemplary.”
Months of preparation led to the launch, including system alignment and sea acceptance trials. Kongsberg personnel were also embarked on HMS Somerset to assist before and during the firing.
Commander Matthew Cox, the UK’s NSM Programme Director, highlighted the speed and cooperation behind the programme. “This programme showcases the strong UK-Norwegian strategic partnership, enabling the UK to achieve its first ship installation within 12 months of business case approval – an unprecedented pace for a complex weapons programme.”
“The UK’s first NSM firing, hosted by Norway at Andøya, further highlights this enduring collaboration,” he said.
The NSM is already in service with the Norwegian, US and Polish navies and is currently deployed on HMS Somerset, HMS Richmond, and HMS Portland. The missile flies at near-supersonic speed and uses sea-skimming technology to evade detection before striking its target.
It is expected to complement the future ‘Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon’, which will equip next-generation Royal Navy warships, including the Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, through the Mk41 vertical launch system. Exercise Aegir 25, led by Norway, continues through the end of September with further missile firings from sea and land platforms.
Source: Royal Navy (press release).
