Thales and Kongsberg have completed a key trial, involving the successful live firing of a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) from the StrikeMaster missile launch vehicle in Norway.

The test, utilising a blast test vehicle (BTV) consisting of the missile’s boost rocket motor, demonstrated StrikeMaster's potential as a low-risk solution for Australia's long-range strike necessities.

The fifth-generation NSM is devised to fulfil both maritime strike and land attack operations against robustly defended targets.

It is currently being deployed or is selected for use by 14 nations, including the US, UK, Canada, Norway. The missile was commissioned into service with the Royal Australian Navy in 2024.

It can be launched from ships or fired from trucks without any modifications, as part of the NSM Coastal Defence System (CDS).

Kongsberg's StrikeMaster is an Australian configuration of the NSM CDS. It utilises Thales Australia’s Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle as a twin pack NSM launcher platform.

This setup mirrors the launcher utilised by the US Marine Corps' Navy‑Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS). Presently, this ground based anti-ship missile programme is deployed in the region.

The StrikeMaster NSM CDS solution also includes a fire control centre and a missile re‑supply vehicle, both built on the Bushmaster platform.

The entire system will be constructed in Australia, across Kongsberg Defence Australia and Thales Australia’s factories in Adelaide and Bendigo.

More than 150 local suppliers will be involved in this process, thereby safeguarding or generating approximately 700 jobs within Australia.

The NSM is slated for manufacturing at a new Kongsberg Missile Factory located near Newcastle. Operations at this upcoming facility are projected to commence from 2027 onwards.

Kongsberg Defence Australia managing director John Fry said: “This firing is a clear demonstration of StrikeMaster’s capability, providing assurance in the launcher’s reliability and performance, and confirming its suitability for Australia and other nations.

“Our collaboration with Thales Australia enables us to offer the proven and fielded NSM CDS capability in a mobile, protected, and locally built configuration that aligns with the force structure of Australia and other nations.”

In 2023, the Australian government signed a contract to procure Kongsberg’s NSM to replace its anti-ship Harpoon missile.