Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has announced the signing of a contract with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) for the initial development phase of the new German-Norwegian Supersonic Strike Missile (3SM).
This next-generation missile system is slated for deployment on future vessels from 2035.
The contract for the first development phase is valued at up to 1.5 billion NOK ($143.7 million).
“The 3SM missile project demonstrates how cross-border and industrial collaboration contributes to strengthening the defence capabilities of Norway, Germany and allied countries. Close cooperation between industry, authorities, and research institutions forms the foundation for innovation and new workplaces, while we maintain our position as a world-leading missile manufacturer,” says Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
KONGSBERG will lead the development as the industry partner, with significant contributions from German and Norwegian subcontractors. Diehl Defence and MBDA Deutschland are key partners in this collaborative effort. The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) and Nammo will also contribute to the project.
“Norway has a long history of developing advanced missile systems, and it is important that we maintain and further develop the existing expertise and position that Norway holds within missile technology. Establishing Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace as a new contract partner and industry leader is a crucial step in developing a powerful new weapon system for engaging maritime targets. KONGSBERG has extensive and significant experience in this field,” says Gro Jære, Director of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA).
The 3SM, a collaborative German-Norwegian project with Norway as the leading nation, aims to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity by enhancing the Armed Forces’ deterrence capability and improving the ability to engage long-range targets. The missile system is intended for deployment on both Norwegian and German naval vessels, with potential use by other NATO countries and close allies.
KONGSBERG’s track record includes the development of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) in the 2000s, a system adopted by 13 countries, including Norway, Germany, and the USA. The 3SM, expected to be deployed in the mid-2030s, will complement the NSM.