Kongsberg Defence Australia has announced the successful completion of a Blast Test Vehicle (BTV) firing for its first Australian-manufactured launcher for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM).
The test, conducted at the Commonwealth Joint Proofing Experimental Unit (JPEU) in Port Wakefield, South Australia, is a major milestone under Project SEA 1300 Phase 1 – Navy Guided Weapons.
The BTV firing, which involved a NSM booster rocket motor and a dummy missile, validated the full functionality of the launcher in a live firing scenario. This event marked the final phase of ‘First of Type’ testing for the Australian-assembled NSM launcher, built with components manufactured entirely in Australia.
The launcher canister was produced by Aerobond Defence in Adelaide, with the frame and rail manufactured by Marand Precision Engineering in Melbourne. Complex precision-machined parts were supplied by Australian Precision Technologies (APT) in Melbourne and QPE Advanced Machining in Adelaide. The collaboration demonstrates the growing capability of Australian industry in supporting advanced defense technologies.
“This successful BTV firing from an Australian-made launcher is a key milestone in the delivery of the NSM capability to the Royal Australian Navy,” said John Fry, Managing Director of Kongsberg Defence Australia. “It now allows Kongsberg Defence Australia to commence full-rate production of Australian-made NSM launchers for the NSM program. As a GWEO Strategic Partner, KONGSBERG is committed to working with Australian small and medium enterprises to create genuine sovereign capability.”
Fry also extended gratitude to supply chain partners Aerobond, Marand, APT, and QPE for their contributions to achieving this milestone on an aggressive schedule. He additionally acknowledged the support of JPEU and the GWEO Group in facilitating the successful test event.