The Royal New Zealand Navy has conducted its first test firing of the Norwegian AGM-119 Penguin anti-ship missile. The launch was carried out by an SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite helicopter, part of the air group of the frigate HMNZS Te Kaha (F77).
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The launch is part of crew training for missions in the Persian Gulf under Operation Combined Task Force 150. This exercise marks an important milestone for the New Zealand naval force, which had never previously used this type of weapon in operations or tests.
Acquisition and Development of the Penguin
New Zealand ordered an undisclosed number of AGM-119 Mk 2 Mod 7 missiles from Norwegian company Kongsberg in 2013, aiming to replace the obsolete AGM-65 Maverick missiles in their anti-ship F version. Although deliveries were made in the following years, this recent launch represents the country’s first official use of the missile.
The AGM-119 Penguin is a short- to medium-range anti-ship missile developed by Kongsberg with financial support from the United States and West Germany. Development began in the 1960s, and mass production started in 1972, with continuous updates to its hardware and software.
Capabilities and History of the Missile
The Penguin stood out as the first NATO anti-ship missile to feature an infrared guidance system, as opposed to traditional active radar systems. The first platforms equipped with these missiles were Snøgg- and Storm-class patrol boats of the Royal Norwegian Navy. Later, F-104G fighters of the Norwegian Air Force were also equipped with the weapon, mounted on standard Bullpup missile racks.
The more modern versions of the Penguin feature a solid-propellant rocket motor and are capable of performing evasive maneuvers when approaching the target, aiming for the waterline to maximize damage to enemy vessels.
In addition to being used by the New Zealand Navy, Penguin missiles can also be deployed by Ukrainian F-16s, transferred from the Norwegian arsenal.
This test conducted by New Zealand strengthens its naval response capabilities and modernizes its military arsenal, consolidating the integration of advanced missile systems into the country’s maritime defense.
Source and images: mil.in.ua. Instagram @nzdefenceforce
