Kongsberg Defence Australia has successfully test-fired a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Blast Test Vehicle (BTV) from an Australian-built NSM launcher.
The test took place in Port Wakefield, South Australia and saw the BTV - comprised of an NSM Booster Rocket Motor and a dummy missile - fired from the launcher.
The launcher canister was built by Aerobond Defence while the frame and rail were manufactured by Marand Precision Engineering. Complex machined components were also supplied by Australian Precision Technologies (APT) and QPE Advanced Machining.
"This successful BTV firing from an Australian-made launcher is a key milestone in the delivery of the NSM capability to the Royal Australian Navy. It now allows Kongsberg Defence Australia to commence full-rate production of Australian-made NSM launchers for the NSM program," said Kongsberg Defence Australia’s Managing Director, John Fry.
"As a GWEO Strategic Partner, KONGSBERG is committed to working with Australian small and medium enterprises to create genuine sovereign capability. I would like thank our key supply chain partners, Aerobond, Marand, APT and QPE for diligently working to an aggressive schedule to achieve this significant milestone. In addition to this, our appreciation goes to the personnel from JPEU and the GWEO Group for their support and assistance to this successful test event."