MSPO 2023: Kongsberg wins $1.5 bln contract to supply Naval Strike Missiles to Poland.

According to a PR published by Kongsberg on September 5, 2023, the Polish Ministry of National Defence has commissioned Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) to deliver four Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Coastal Defence System (CDS) squadrons.
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Launcher truck of the Polish NSM coastal missile defense system. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The recent agreement underscores over a decade of cooperation between Kongsberg, the Polish government, and its domestic industry. The latest delivery timeline stretches into the 2030s.

Notably, the Coastal Defence System will incorporate the NASAMS command and control with NSM functionality. Polish industries will significantly contribute, handling the communication system, vehicles, and certain command and control segments. Moreover, they will actively participate in system integration.

The contract provisions also include comprehensive training and technical support by Kongsberg, which encompasses simulators, ensuring that Polish teams can undertake maintenance operations domestically.

A testament to its advanced design, the NSM, capable of being deployed from both land and maritime platforms, is either in use or slated for delivery in 12 nations.

Originally crafted for the Norwegian Navy by KONGSBERG, this fifth-generation missile stands out with its stealth features and cutting-edge seeker system for autonomous target recognition.

Technical data

The NSM has a weight of 400 kg when equipped with its booster, and 350 kg without. The missile measures 3.96 meters in length with its booster and reduces to 3.48 meters without it. In its stowed configuration, the missile is 700 mm wide, but when its wings are deployed for flight, it spans 1.36 meters.

The missile's warhead is encased in titanium, tailored for both penetration and controlled fragmentation and weighs 120 kg. It is powered by a Microturbo TRI-40 turbojet paired with a solid rocket booster. The NSM can reach speeds up to Mach 0.93.

In terms of operational range, the standard NSM can target locations over 200 km away, while the NSM 1A variant extends this range to 250 km.

The guidance system of the NSM is multifaceted. It employs a GPS-aided Inertial Navigation System (GAINS), a laser altimeter, Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM), and an Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) system for target acquisition and tracking. The NSM is versatile in its deployment, being compatible with both naval ships and land-based vehicles.