DIVISION MISSILE SYSTEMS & AEROSTRUCTURES

Missiles

2007 marked the end of the development phase of the new NSM anti-ship missile (Naval Strike Missile). A contract with the Armed Forces' Logistics Organisation for series production led to orders worth NOK 2.5 billion. The NSM is to be the Navy's main weapon for surface combat on the new Norwegian Nansen Class frigates and the new Norwegian Skjold Class missile torpedo boats.

The contract with the Armed Forces is a profoundly important reference with a view to export opportunities for the missile. Several countries have indicated interest in the NSM. The contract will run until 2014 and delivery is scheduled to start in 2010.

The Joint Strike Missile (JSM) is the designation used for the new custom-made product for fighter craft, and Australia and Norway have funded studies to examine how the NSM can be deployed on the JSF fighter craft. The missile has properties that have caught the eye of the Australian and American authorities. Active efforts are also in progress with a view to other types of fighter craft such as the JAS Gripen and the Eurofighter.

The Penguin missile has been operational in Norway and in several other countries' naval defence forces for years. The missile is still among the world's leading anti-ship missiles; it can be deployed on helicopters, aircraft and vessels.

Aerospace

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace is Norway's largest supplier to ESA, the European Space Agency. The division has provided equipment for numerous space programmes, and for many satellites as well as the booster rockets that carry satellites into outer space.