Kongsberg Defence Australia has achieved a major milestone with the successful Blast Test Vehicle (BTV) firing of the first locally manufactured Naval Strike Missile (NSM) launcher. This accomplishment is part of Project SEA 1300 Phase 1, aimed at enhancing the Royal Australian Navy’s guided weapons capabilities.
The BTV test represents the completion of ‘First of Type’ trials for the Australian-made launcher. Built with locally sourced components, the system was rigorously evaluated in a live-fire scenario using a booster rocket motor and a dummy missile, confirming its operational functionality.
Key contributions came from Australian companies: the launcher canister was manufactured by Aerobond Defence in Adelaide, while the frame and rail were produced by Marand Precision Engineering in Melbourne. Additional components were supplied by Australian Precision Technologies (APT) and QPE Advanced Machining, based in Melbourne and Adelaide, respectively.
The test was conducted at the Commonwealth Joint Proofing Experimental Unit (JPEU) in Port Wakefield. The successful firing event not only validated the performance of the Australian-built launcher but also marked significant progress in establishing a sovereign supply chain for the NSM program.
John Fry, Managing Director of Kongsberg Defence Australia, stated, “This successful BTV firing from an Australian-made launcher represents a pivotal step in delivering NSM capability to the Royal Australian Navy. It also sets the stage for full-scale production of Australian-built NSM launchers.”
Fry extended his gratitude to the Australian supply chain partners, including Aerobond, Marand, APT, and QPE, for their efforts in meeting tight project deadlines. He also acknowledged the contributions of JPEU personnel and the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Group in supporting the successful test.
As a Strategic Partner in the GWEO program, KONGSBERG emphasizes its commitment to enhancing sovereign defence capabilities through collaboration with Australian small and medium enterprises.
