KONGSBERG and Thales announced the successful test firing of a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) test round from the StrikeMaster launcher vehicle during trials in Norway.
The test, which used a blast test vehicle (BTV) to validate the thrust motor and launch safety, confirms that the Bushmaster variant from Thales Australia is suitable as a mobile platform for the NSM, offering a low-risk solution to engage long-range targets.
The NSM, a fifth-generation stealth missile designed for maritime and land-based attacks against heavily defended targets, has already been chosen by 14 countries and entered service with the Royal Australian Navy in 2024.
The StrikeMaster configuration integrates a dual launcher installed on the Bushmaster vehicle and also includes a Fire Control Centre and a missile resupply vehicle, mirroring a similar solution used by the U.S. Marine Corps’ NMESIS program.
Production of the StrikeMaster NSM CDS system will take place in Australia, at Kongsberg Defence Australia and Thales Australia’s facilities in Adelaide and Bendigo, involving over 150 local suppliers and creating or maintaining around 700 jobs. Kongsberg is also preparing to manufacture the NSM in its new missile factory near Newcastle, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027, strengthening the industrial autonomy and national defense capability.
Source: Naval News | Photo: LinkedIn – Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
