Next Generation Ship-Killer Goes Live

Norway's Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) and Germany's TDW (an EADS subsidiary) have signed a cooperative agreement to develop an advanced warhead for KDA's new anti-ship missile, the NSM.

KDA is building on the success of its proven Penguin family of anti-ship missiles to produce a high-performance, next-generation weapon that is smarter, stealthier and far more lethal. NSM will use advanced seeker technology, a facetted stealthy airframe and turbojet power.

KDA is the prime contractor, but TDW will be the design authority for the warhead and its sole production source. The NSM can be air- or ship-launched and has already been selected to arm Germany's new K 130-class corvettes, along with Norway's Nansen-class frigates and Skold-class fast patrol boats.