Kongsberg Defence Australia, a subsidiary of Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, has secured a $50 million export order for naval strike missile (NSM) launcher systems for two European nations.
As disclosed, Kongsberg will manufacture the NSM launchers from Australian-made components, which will be assembled and tested in the company’s production and maintenance facility in Mawson Lakes. It is understood that the launcher canisters will be supplied by manufacturing company Aerobond Defence, and complex precision-machined components for the launcher will be manufactured by QPE Advanced Machining, both based in Adelaide. The launcher frame and rail, as well as other machined components, are expected to be manufactured by Australian companies in Victoria.
NSM is a maritime strike and land attack cruise missile regarded as having “superior operational performance and high survivability against complex targets.” Reportedly, it can be both deck-launched from a ship or truck-launched in a coastal defense role.
John Fry, Managing Director of Kongsberg Defence Australia, stated: “This is a significant moment for Australian defence manufacturing. To be entrusted with delivering critical NSM launchers for international customers highlights the capability, quality and reliability of our Australian team and supply chain.”
Erin Hamblin, Global Supply Chain Program Manager for Kongsberg Defence Australia, commented: “Kongsberg Defence Australia’s ability to export advanced launcher technology supports not only our local growth, but also strengthens the resilience of Australia’s strategic industrial base, establishes a second source of supply, and reinforces our role as a trusted contributor to the NSM capability.”
It is important to note that these deliveries are part of contracts previously signed between Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Denmark and Spain.