HMS Somerset has arrived in Stavanger, Norway, where the Royal Navy frigate is conducting vital assessments with NATO FORACS (Forces Sensor and Weapons Accuracy Check Site).
The tests are designed to calibrate and verify the accuracy of the ship’s weapons and sensor systems, ensuring that Somerset remains fully combat-ready for future operations and NATO deployments.
The ship’s crew is working alongside NATO specialists to fine-tune her sensors and combat systems.
Posting on X, HMS Somerset’s official account stated:
“#HMSSOMERSET is in Stavanger, Norway working with NATO FORACS to ensure her weapons and sensors are aligned and the ship remains fighting fit for Operations.”
The deployment highlights the Royal Navy’s ongoing role in maintaining high readiness levels for the alliance, particularly as tensions in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions continue to shape NATO priorities.
#HMSSOMERSET is in Stavanger, Norway working with NATO FORACS to ensure her weapons and sensors are aligned and the ship remains fighting fit for Operations. #F82 #NATO #FORACS pic.twitter.com/DAaxUER3Rj
— HMS Somerset (@HMSSomerset) February 19, 2025
Earlier this month, HMS Somerset had been honing its anti-submarine warfare skills in the Norwegian fjords, charging at allied submarines at full speed as part of Exercise Arctic Dolphin. According to a Royal Navy news update, the two-week exercise tested trainee submarine commanders from Norway and the Netherlands while sharpening the Royal Navy’s ability to track and engage underwater threats.
The Plymouth-based Type 23 frigate, along with its Merlin Mk2 helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron, played the role of the enemy, relentlessly hunting Norwegian and Dutch submarines in a complex game of cat and mouse. The exercise involved high-speed approaches and complex manoeuvres designed to push submarine commanders to their limits.
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That is a fine picture of a fine ship. Sounds like the crew have had a busy time of it.
Well done to them all.
CR
HMS Somerset was the first Type 23 to be fitted with the Naval Strike Missile (NSM). Could this be for the much delayed testing of the NSM integration?
Hopefully.
For sure.
That is the instrumented range for the tests.
Once verified the rollout to the rest of T23 should be swift.
When is the first T45 due at the range?
It would be good to see, it’s now a must happen soon..
Hopefully the nagging defects with Somerset have now been rectified. Also a test firing of NSM finally!
Healey in Norway today. Negotiations on defence pact with Norway. Looks promising for T26 , Kongsberg Vanguards?
They have just announced UK and Norway are working on a new defence agreement and strengthening defence and security cooperation. I think the chances of Norway choosing the type 26 are pretty high now.
I see CR suggested under the adjacent ‘fortify’ topic the possibility of expanding the frigate factory to the Scotstoun yard if we were to get a T26 order from Norway. That would be great news.
I think there a real place for a very tight UK Norway defence pact..essentially we are defending the same bit of occean, have the same regional defence needs and are both outside of the EU.
There is also a place for a very solid Northern European defence pact..UK, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark defence pact, within any new European wide pact.