NSM Missiles Replace Harpoon in British Type 23 Frigate

The Royal Navy’s HMS Somerset (F 82) Type 23 frigate became the first warship to receive Norwegian Naval Strike Missiles (NSM).

The new cruise missiles are replacing the U.S.-made Harpoon, which used to be the basis of anti-ship weapons in frigates of this type.

Photos of the installation of the launcher were published on the page of the frigate HMS Somerset on Twitter.

The UK and Norway agreed in November 2022 to arm Type 23 project frigates and Type 45 destroyers with NSM anti-ship missiles. The arrangement stipulates that the first NSM anti-ship complexes must be installed on three British ships within the next 12 months.

Type 23 frigates are designed to carry out anti-submarine missions, the ship is equipped with Sea Wolf anti-aircraft missiles and their basic version – Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

The warship is equipped with a sonar for detecting submarines and a helicopter, and its armament includes torpedoes and depth charges to fight against submarines.

The ship has a sensitive radar complex, allowing aircraft and missiles to be tracked at distances of up to 120 miles depending on the type, as well as an air defense system with a range of more than 20 miles.