Plymouth, United Kingdom - September 19, 2025 On September 19, 2025, the Royal Navy’s frigate HMS Somerset successfully fired new long-range Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) during an exercise off Norway’s Arctic coast. The exercise, named Aegir 25, involved Norwegian and Polish forces and tested the missiles at Andøya’s rocket range. The NSM, weighing 400 kilograms, can target both enemy warships and land positions at ranges exceeding 100 miles. This first firing represents a significant step in modernizing the Royal Navy’s arsenal and enhancing its combat capabilities. The new missile system is a major upgrade over the older Harpoon system deployed on Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers. Twenty years newer, the NSM offers greater range and more advanced performance, strengthening the Royal Navy’s operational reach. Officials highlighted the launch as a demonstration of close bilateral cooperation between the UK and Norway, reinforcing shared security commitments and joint operational readiness. HMS Somerset’s successful test marks a milestone in the Royal Navy’s ongoing effort to increase lethality and versatility in maritime operations, showcasing advanced technology and allied coordination in a challenging Arctic environment.