KNDS Deutschland, Elbit Systems, and Kongsberg have conducted the first live-fire test of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) from the MARS 3 rocket artillery system, confirming the platform’s compatibility with the sea-skimming missile.
The test, conducted as part of a broader effort to expand MARS 3’s mission scope, demonstrates the system’s ability to engage naval targets. By integrating the NSM—a long-range anti-ship missile developed by Kongsberg and already in service with several NATO navies—the MARS 3 gains coastal defense and anti-ship strike capability in addition to its land-attack role.
MARS 3 is a European-developed and manufactured system under the MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) family. Designed by KNDS Deutschland, it supports both land and maritime strike missions and features full autonomy, including automated target acquisition. The launcher’s mobility and shoot-and-scoot design enable rapid repositioning in fast-changing operational environments.
The system is platform-agnostic, capable of being mounted on different vehicle types, and can launch a variety of munitions. This modularity positions MARS 3 between traditional rocket artillery and cruise missile systems, offering increased operational flexibility for NATO-aligned forces.