The firepower of the RN surface fleet is set to be enhanced by the purchase of Kongsberg Naval Strike Missiles. The Norwegian sea-skimming, anti-ship missile will be introduced later this year as an interim measure, plugging the gap between the Harpoon and its successor, the ‘Future Offensive Surface Weapon’, which is due to enter service in 2028.
The UK has also joined the partnership between France and Italy for the production of the Aster Block 1 missile, as part of the Sea Viper Evolution programme that was announced by the UK Ministry of Defence back in May 2022. As such, the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers will receive upgraded Aster 30 Block 1 missiles, which have an additional capability to intercept shortrange ballistic missiles.