Kongsberg and Thales train HMAS Ballarat sailors on Naval Strike Missile handling procedures.

According to information published by the Australian DoD on August 5, 2024, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, in partnership with Thales Explosive Ordnance Services, conducted specialized training for sailors aboard the HMAS Ballarat. The training focused on the safe handling and loading procedures for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and its associated Launcher Missile Module.
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Royal Australian Navy's Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat. (Picture source: Australian DoD)

The Naval Strike Missile, developed by Kongsberg, is an advanced, long-range, precision strike weapon designed to engage both sea and land targets.

The NSM brings several critical advantages to the RAN. With a range exceeding 185 kilometers, it allows Australian naval ships to strike targets far beyond visual range, enhancing their ability to engage adversaries at a distance. This capability is crucial for maintaining tactical advantage in both open ocean and littoral environments, where threats can emerge from multiple directions. The missile’s advanced infrared homing guidance system ensures high accuracy, reducing the likelihood of collateral damage and improving mission success rates.

A key aspect of the NSM is its ability to maneuver in flight, making it difficult for enemy defenses to detect and intercept. This survivability is complemented by the missile's stealth features, such as a low radar cross-section and reduced infrared signature, which help avoid detection by adversary sensors. These attributes are vital in modern naval combat, where stealth and electronic warfare are increasingly important for maintaining an edge over potential adversaries.

Training exercise

The training exercises conducted with HMAS Ballarat are part of a broader effort to integrate this cutting-edge missile system into Australia's naval arsenal, replacing the aging Harpoon missile system across the fleet. These exercises are crucial for ensuring that the crew is proficient in safely managing and deploying these complex weapon systems under operational conditions.

This training initiative follows a significant milestone for the Royal Australian Navy, where the Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Sydney successfully fired the NSM for the first time during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 exercises off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii. The live-fire exercise was a critical component of RIMPAC, the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise.

As part of the ongoing strategic partnership, the Australian government has also announced a substantial investment to build a missile production facility in Newcastle, New South Wales. This new facility, a joint venture between the Australian government and Kongsberg Defence Australia, will manufacture and service missiles, further supporting Australia's defense industry and enhancing its self-reliance in advanced weaponry.