Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (“KONGSBERG”), along with its German partners Diehl Defence and MBDA Deutschland, have teamed to ensure the successful development of the future Norwegian and German super-sonic strike missile known as 3SM Tyrfing. The missile is expected to be delivered from 2035 and is planned to be used on Norwegian and German naval vessels. The missile will complement the Naval Strike Missile. The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) is an anti-ship and land-attack missile developed by the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA). The name Tyrfing originates from Norse mythology, where it was a sword that always hit what it was swung at, could never rust and could cut through stone and iron as easily as through clothing.
“We are proud having established a team of the best experts of our companies, who complement each other, trust each other and contribute their individual knowledge and skills. Together, we will develop a game changer with 3SM that none of us could develop on our own,” said Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence.
“I am so impressed with the depth and capabilities in this team. I look forward to cooperating with Diehl Defence and MBDA Deutschland and combining our teams’ knowledge and expertise to develop 3SM for both of our nations,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace.
Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Deutschland, said: “As we have seen over the last 2 years, stand-off weapons are crucial for credible deterrence and defence. Joining forces between our companies will strengthen the Norwegian, German and European armed forces improving the defence of our home nations.”
In 2021 the Norwegian and German governments declared that a new anti-ship missile would become a collaborative project. The missile was initially called the Future Naval Strike Missile. In November 2023 the Norwegian Ministry of Defense and KDA proposed that a decision was to be made to initiate the first initial design phase of the project. Germany also plans to consider a decision on commissioning in the new year.
The Norwegian government announced this initiative in November 2023 and the industry team essential for the success of this project have now entered their partnership agreement. This partnership, led by KONGSBERG, combines the strengths of these companies and brings together decades of missile development experience to create this highly advanced, long distance, maneuverable super-sonic strike missile for the Norwegian and German customers as well as Allied customers in the future. The team will work closely with the Norwegian and German Defence Forces as well as their national research organisations to define and develop the world’s most advanced long range strike capability designed to meet future surface threats.
