The Royal Norwegian Navy and Kongsberg in June performed the first live fire shot against a sea target with a series produced NSM (Naval Strike Missile). The test was conducted at the US Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division’s Point Mugu range in California and again demonstrated the unrivalled capabilities of the missile.

The missile was launched from its canister and completed the planned route, performed a wide range of advanced manoeuvres including extreme sea skimming capabilities, before locating, engaging, hitting and destroying the sea target. International observers at the test witnessed a successful demonstration.

The NSM is in series production for the Norwegian Navy, the Fridtjof Nansen class frigates and Skjold class coastal corvettes, and the Polish Navy Coastal Squadron system. Deliveries for the platforms are scheduled for 2011-14.

The NSM is the only 5th generation long range precision strike missile in existence today. It is designed as a highly discriminative anti-ship missile able to penetrate shipboard defences and operate effectively in both blue water and littoral environments. It is a stealthy and highly manoeuvrable weapon combining GPS-aided midcourse guidance with an advanced dualband IIR seeker.