Australia orders first Naval Strike Missiles
Australia is buying Naval Strike Missiles to replace Harpoons on its current frigates and destroyers. (Photo: Kongsberg)
On 5 July, the Australian government announced it had ordered, under an accelerated acquisition, an unspecified number of Naval Strike Missiles (NSM).
Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace revealed in a press statement on the following day that this initial contract was worth NOK489 million ($48.6 million).
The NSMs will replace Harpoon anti-ship missiles on both Anzac-class frigates and Hobart-class destroyers of the Royal Australian Navy.
Øyvind Kolset, Executive VP Missile Systems at Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace, stated, ‘Signing this initial contract to commence the acquisition of an Australian NSM capability is a very important milestone.’
He said it was a clear demonstration of the company’s commitment to the accelerated delivery of NSMs.
Kongsberg describes the Norwegian-developed NSM as ‘a fifth-generation, long-range, precision strike missile’.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Fragile grain deal unlikely to significantly shift Black Sea security situation, expert says
The limited and tentative nature of a deal between Moscow and Kyiv, brokered by the UN and Turkey to allow foodstuff exports from Ukrainian ports, is unlikely to shift the security situation in the Black Sea significantly.
-
Indian P76 submarines impeded by rudderless P75I programme
India wants to build submarines domestically, but its efforts are consequently beset by all sorts of difficulties and delays.
-
HII completes pressure hull for future Virginia-class submarine USS Massachusetts
Shipbuilders working on the future Virginia-class submarine USS Massachusetts have joined all the boat's hull sections to form a single watertight unit, marking the completion of the pressure hull.