The UK is looking to strengthen its ability to engage naval targets and has initiated cooperation with Norway.

The plan was to equip British frigates and destroyers with Norwegian-produced “Naval Strike Missile” (NSM) systems. The missile has been developed by Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace.

– We have very good collaboration and friendship with Norway for a long time. This new agreement further strengthens our defense cooperation with one of our closest allies, while strengthening the Royal Navy with new sea-targeting missiles, said UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace.

– It’s a lot of fun from a Norwegian perspective. This cooperation will strengthen relations with one of our most important allies and contribute to increased security in our shared territory, said Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp).

The NSM will replace the UK’s Harpoon surface-to-surface missile system. The Royal Navy is slated to retire the Harpoon in 2023.

– This collaboration will result in more ships being equipped with highly advanced NSM naval target missiles and at the same time contribute to increased security in our common areas, said Gram.

The first step in this collaboration is for the UK, with support from Norway, to equip three ships with NSM over a period of just over a year.

– This is a huge task that must be completed in a relatively short time. Therefore, the two countries have formed a special team with a strong mandate to ensure that the joint efforts are successful. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace will support the work, said the Minister of Defence.