Kongsberg and Thales Conduct Successful Live-Firing of StrikeMaster

Introduction

Kongsberg and Thales have recently achieved a significant milestone in defense technology with the first live-firing of their joint land-based maritime strike platform, known as StrikeMaster. This event, announced on October 23, took place in Norway and demonstrates the commitment of both companies to enhancing Australia’s long-range strike capabilities.

Overview of the Live-Firing Event

The trial involved the deployment of a Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM) from Thales Australia’s Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle (PMV) modified for utility purposes. The munition utilized for this demonstration was a blast test vehicle (BTV), incorporating the NSM’s boost rocket motor, intended solely for evaluation.

Kongsberg emphasized the relevance of the Bushmaster utility variant as an effective launch system for the NSM. This test affirms StrikeMaster as a feasible and low-risk solution designed to meet Australia’s strategic requirements for long-range strike operations.

Strategic Implications

Australian Army Requirements

StrikeMaster is being proposed for integration into Australia’s Land 8113 Phase 2 program. This initiative aims to equip the Australian Army’s second Long Range Fires Regiment with a robust land-based maritime strike capability. Should StrikeMaster be selected, production would take place at Kongsberg’s facilities in Adelaide and Thales Australia’s site in Bendigo, promoting local defense manufacturing and operational readiness.

Competitor Evaluation

In December 2024, the Australian Department of Defence signaled that it was evaluating potential solutions for this capability, including the StrikeMaster and Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 2, capable of being deployed from the High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). This review underscores the competitive landscape as the Australian military seeks advanced solutions to enhance its operational effectiveness.

Technical Specifications of the NSM

The Kongsberg NSM is a long-range anti-ship missile with considerable versatility, being compatible with both naval and land-based launch platforms without necessitating modifications. Key characteristics include:

• Range: Up to 250 km
• Stealth Capabilities: The missile features passive guidance and maintains a low-altitude sea-skimming trajectory, making it challenging for radar detection.

Conclusion

Kongsberg and Thales’ collaborative efforts in developing the StrikeMaster platform extend beyond mere technological advancement; they align with strategic military objectives to bolster Australia’s defense capabilities against maritime threats. The successful live-firing event underlines the potential efficacy of this system and its readiness to address contemporary security challenges.