In 2022, the Commonwealth of Australia announced the selection of KONGSBERG’s NSM to replace the Harpoon Anti-Ship Missile capability under an accelerated acquisition. The NSM capability will be established and employed on the Royal Australian Navy’s ANZAC Class Frigates and HOBART Class Destroyers from 2024.
“This is a significant milestone in the pathway to delivering a modern, effective, and survivable precision strike missile capability to the Royal Australian Navy. Executing this contract will be achieved through close collaboration between Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Australian industry and the Commonwealth,” says Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
Australia is a key customer and KONGSBERG is committed to developing sovereign domestic capabilities in support of its systems through knowledge transfer and Australian manufacturing opportunities. This contract will see significant Australian content for a program of this nature, delivered through Kongsberg Defence Australia and its growing network of Australian suppliers.
Mr John Fry, General Manager of Kongsberg Defence Australia, said “To assist with the delivery and support of current and future acquisition programs, we are increasing our presence in Australia with a new facility at Mawson Lakes, South Australia. In addition to this we have also commenced engaging with Australian suppliers to discuss opportunities to deliver this key capability to the ADF”.
Developed in Norway, KONGSBERG’s NSM is a fifth-generation, highly capable, long-range, precision strike weapon designed to defeat heavily protected maritime targets in contested environments, with a secondary role for land attack. It is in service or has been selected by 11 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and Norway.
