As part of a new deal signed by the UK and Norwegian authorities, the British Royal Navy will equip its warships with the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM) in an attempt to further strengthen existing defense ties between the two countries.
This collaboration will result in more ships equipped with the sophisticated NSMs which in turn will contribute to enhancing security in common areas of interest.
The Royal Navy will receive the NSM outfitted on Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers to replace the Harpoon surface-to-surface weapon, due to go out of service in 2023.
“KONGSBERG is very pleased to welcome the Royal Navy as a member of the NSM User Group,” said Executive Vice President in Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace Øyvind Kolset. “We proudly support the strengthening of defense ties between our nations by integrating the NSM on the Royal Navy’s vessels.”
According to Kongsberg, the NSM anti-ship missile will be ready for operations onboard the first Royal Navy vessel in a little over 12 months.