Spain signs for Kongsberg naval strike missiles
The NSM has been ordered by 13 countries to date. (Photo: Kongsberg)
The Naval Strike Missile, a subsonic, sea-skimming, anti-ship and land-attack missile, has been designed to strike heavily defended land and sea targets.
Kongsberg will deliver Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to the Spanish Navy under a EUR305 million (US$333 million) deal announced on 15 December which follows selection of the missile in 2022.
The first ship class to be equipped with NSM will be the F-110 class frigate currently under construction by Navantia. The missiles will be deployed on the F-100 frigates during their mid-life update, as well as on future ships.
The missiles will be acquired through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) marking the first missile contract for Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to be handled by the agency.
Additionally, Kongsberg signed a cooperation agreement as a foundation to develop an industrial plan that will maximise Spanish industry cooperation and involvement. This will include the possibility of becoming part of the global missile supply chain, and a proposal for the establishment of a full lifecycle maintenance capacity for NSM at the Rota Naval Base, in coordination with local industry.
NSM has been in service with or ordered by 13 countries including Poland, which in September 2023 placed a contract worth NOK16 billion ($1.5 billion) for the delivery of four NSM Coastal Defence System squadrons, and India, which ordered the missiles for operation from MH-60R helicopters.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal]()
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
-
![UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction]()
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
-
![US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter]()
US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
-
![NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition]()
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?
