Norway and Germany have formalized a significant partnership agreement aimed at enhancing the maintenance of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), developed by the Norwegian defense firm Kongsberg. The agreement was established in Luxembourg through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), marking a strategic collaboration that emphasizes improved cost efficiency and long-term sustainability for NSM maintenance.
The Norwegian government has emphasized that this joint maintenance program through the NSPA will provide substantial benefits in several areas, including spare parts procurement, configuration management, and data sharing. Furthermore, the partnership extends its invitation to other nations that have either acquired or are considering acquiring the NSM system, indicating a broader strategic interest among allied forces in strengthening their naval capabilities.
According to the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, there is considerable interest from several countries in joining this partnership. Initial expressions of interest have come from the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and the UK, showcasing a collaborative approach among European nations to bolster their naval defenses.
The NSM, developed by Kongsberg, is a high-performance missile capable of targeting land and sea objectives, including those located close to coastlines. It boasts advanced features such as autonomous target recognition and operates at high subsonic speeds. Weighing 407 kilograms (897 pounds) and measuring 3.96 meters (13 feet) in length, the NSM has an operational range exceeding 100 nautical miles (161 miles/185 kilometers).
In addition to maintenance cooperation, Norway and Germany are also collaborating on further enhancements of the NSM system itself. This includes efforts to develop upgraded versions that will expand the missile’s capabilities. In 2023, Oslo announced plans to work closely with Berlin on the development of a next-generation naval strike missile, known as the Supersonic Strike Missile Tyrfing, which is expected to enter operational service by 2035. This new missile development initiative is being spearheaded by Kongsberg, underscoring the company’s pivotal role in advancing Norway’s and Germany’s naval strike capacities.
Moreover, Germany has already taken steps to integrate the NSM into its naval fleet; in 2021, German military authorities placed an order with Kongsberg for NSM Block 1A anti-ship guided missiles, intended for use on its Class 124, 125, and 126 frigates.
This partnership between Norway and Germany represents a significant step forward in European defense collaboration, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing maritime security and operational readiness among allied nations.
