Denmark Buys Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missiles Under $306M Deal

Denmark has acquired Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and related equipment under a contract valued at 2.1 billion kroner ($306 million).

The missiles will equip Denmark’s Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates to enhance the Royal Danish Navy’s combat capabilities.

The acquisition will replace the Scandinavian country’s Harpoon missiles, which were previously donated to Ukraine.

“We are pleased to welcome Denmark to the group of countries that have selected the NSM, underpinning its position as the anti-ship missile of choice for NATO navies,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

The Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) purchased the missiles from the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, which signed a contract with Kongsberg.

“This government-to-government agreement with Norway is a prime example of an efficient way to procure equipment quickly and smartly,” said Per Pugholm Olsen, Commanding General of DALO.

Features

The NSM is designed to engage sea- and land-based targets.

The missile operates at high subsonic speeds, weighs 407 kilograms (897 pounds), measures 3.96 meters (13 feet) in length, and has a range exceeding 100 nautical miles (185 kilometers/161 miles).

The NSM operates in passive mode, not emitting signals that could expose its location, therefore significantly reducing the risk of detection.

It is designed for sea-skimming flight, maintaining a low altitude over the water to minimize radar visibility.

The system can change its trajectory during the terminal phase of flight, enhancing flexibility and survivability against enemy air defense systems.

It integrates an Autonomous Target Recognition (ATR) system that analyzes and confirms the correct target.

Equipped with a high-resolution imaging infrared seeker, the ATR identifies specific ship classes and determines precise impact points for increased effectiveness.