Australia will purchase Norwegian Kongsberg Naval Attack Missile (NSM) anti-ship cruise missiles to equip the Australian Navy’s ANZAC-class frigates and HOBART-class destroyers. The relevant contract was signed with the missile manufacturer Norwegian company Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace. Asia Pacific Defense Correspondent.
In addition to the missiles themselves, the delivery includes additional equipment, the purpose of which has not been disclosed. It was noted that the missiles were able to hit ground targets as well as surface targets.
NSM Kongsberg will have to replace Harpoon anti-ship missiles in 2024. Australia is a key customer of NSM, so Kongsberg plans to build the missiles in Australia at its subsidiary, Kongsberg Defense Australia, using local suppliers.
For this, a new production facility will be opened in Mawson Lakes, South Australia.
NSM missiles were developed in 2007. It can hit targets at a distance of 3 to 185 km. The mass of the warhead is 120 kg. The rocket’s customers are Poland and the United States.
Previously reportedThe United States and Australia have agreed to expand their defense ties, including increasing the number of US military deployed on the ocean continent, including ground forces and navies. This was announced at a joint press conference by Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin and Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles.
Austin cited the development of China and the conflict in Southeast Ukraine as reasons for expanding cooperation with Australia. At the same time, the Pentagon chief said that the United States and Australia share an image of a future where countries can “determine their own future”.