Royal Navy missile branded "one of most advanced in our arsenal" to be fitted to warships soon - when
.jpg?width=96&crop=1:1,smart)
Modern “ship-busting missile” are due to be fitted to Royal Navy warships soon after successful trials last year.
The government has given a rough timescale for when the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) will be at the force’s disposal. It was first used by HMS Somerset during Exercise Aegir 25 off the coast of Norway in September 2025.
Responding to a parliamentary written question, minister for defence readiness and industry, Luke Pollard, said: “The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) is a Norwegian anti-ship and land attack missile, which has been acquired for the Royal Navy’s escort force. It replaces the Harpoon anti-ship missile, which went out of service in December 2023.
“The NSM is 20 years newer, has greater range, and is far more capable than the system it replaces. The Royal Navy completed its first successful launch of an NSM missile from HMS SOMERSET in Norway in September 2025 at Exercise AEGIR. Test firings are now complete and the NSM is expected to enter service later this year.”
The Labour MP previously said the NSM will be “one of the most advanced missiles in our naval arsenal”, and gives the Royal Navy an edge over adversaries. Weighing 400kg, the weapon can take out enemies at a range of more than 100 miles.
It’s currently used by the US, Polish, and Norwegian navies, and can travel at supersonic speeds (Mach 1). The Royal Navy is refreshing this system that’s 20 years newer than the Harpoon set-up on Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers.
Trials are also being set for a helicopter drone under the Proteus Technology Demonstrator Project (TDP). Mr Pollard confirmed that testing is taking place for a large unmanned helicopter that can fulfil a variety of roles for the Royal Navy.
He added: “The Proteus TDP will culminate with the first flight of the air vehicle, expected to take place in January 2026. Thereafter, the Royal Navy intends to take the knowledge gained from Proteus to inform the development of an operational rotary wing platform for maritime surveillance and strike roles during the next decade.”