The introduction of Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) into the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) took a further step in mid-August with the first successful firing of an NSM from the Hobart-class guided missile destroyer (DDG) HMAS Sydney, during the recent RIMPAC exercise in the region.
The NSM replaced the ageing Harpoon weapon system onboard HMAS Sydney and will be introduced onto the remaining Hobart-class DDGs.
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In a 16 August 2024 release, Navantia Australia stated that the platform engineering design effort of the project was led and completed by the company’s naval Design and Engineering Centre (DEC) in Melbourne.
Collaboration on the programme was undertaken between Navantia Australia and Raytheon Australia, DDG System Program Office, DDG Managing Contractor, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, and the SEA 1300 Project Office, Navantia added.
Jamie Gibbs, COO for Navantia Australia, said that the engineering programme to introduce NSM into RAN service was completed by the DEC in less than 18 months.
“This represents a step change capability… for the Hobart class,” said Gibbs.
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By GlobalDataNavantia Australia is the Design Authority for the Hobart-class DDGs and is responsible for maintaining the design integrity of the ship’s baseline configuration, which is based on the Navantia’s F-100 frigate design.
Spain’s Navantia has developed a considerable presence in Australia, with the RAN utilising its designs for the Canberra-class Landing Helicopter Docks (LHD) and Landing Craft, Hobart-class DDGs, and Supply-class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) vessels.
Kongsberg to build missile factory in Australia
Meanwhile, on 22 August Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace announced its decision to invest in the build of a new factory for the company’s strike missiles in Newcastle, Australia, with construction expected to start later in 2024 and will be the first of its kind outside of Norway.
The Australian government announced it would contribute up to A$850m ($573m) in partnership with Kongsberg Defence Australia to manufacture and service missiles in Newcastle, including constructing a new factory in the Newcastle Airport precinct in New South Wales, about 120km north of Sydney.
At the same time, the Australian government has announced its decision to include Kongsberg Defence Australia as a strategic partner in the guided weapons and explosive ordnance (GWEO) enterprise.
The GWEO enterprise is backed by a commitment of $16-21bn over the coming decade through the government’s 2024 Integrated Investment Program.
Kongsberg’s strike missile family has been developed for use in the naval (NSM) and air (Joint Strike Missile/JSM) domains, with the JSM currently being integrated on the F-35 stealth fighter, also operated by Australia.
Kongsberg stated that the NSM is the “main weapon for the Norwegian Navy’s frigates and coastal corvettes”, and has been selected by 13 other countries, including Australia, and the United Kingdom. The JSM has so far been selected by Norway, Japan, and the US Air Force.
