IRIA News

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The Danish Ministry of Defense has unveiled its intention to enter a government-to-government contract with Norway for the acquisition of new Naval Strike Missiles (NSMs) from Kongsberg, a leading defense technology company.

The announcement about the contract was made by the Danish Defense Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO), on February 18, 2025.

The official value of the deal has not been disclosed yet, however, it is estimated between $130 million and $210 million. DALO has justified this broad pricing range by citing the necessity of keeping certain procurement details confidential to protect national security interests.

According to DALO, the legal framework for this purchase allows for direct procurement from Norway, as it is considered the best approach to fulfill the operational requirements of the Danish Armed Forces.

DALO’s market survey determined that the government-to-government agreement with Norway offers the best capacity to meet Denmark’s operational needs. The evaluation found that this option not only ensures the lowest acquisition price but also guarantees faster delivery times compared to other alternatives.

Additionally, the Naval Strike Missile has been deemed essential for interoperability with allied forces. Given the growing emphasis on NATO cooperation and regional security, this factor played a significant role in Denmark’s decision.

Saab’s RBS 15 Mk3+ missile was also under consideration Danish navy was exploring the options to replace its aging Harpoon missiles. It is expected that the NSM will first be integrated into the Royal Danish Navy’s three Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates, which are scheduled for mid-life upgrades.

Additionally, the missile is expected to be installed on future patrol vessels as well as the replacement for the Thetis-class patrol vessels. Furthermore, this procurement could set the stage for phasing out the aging Harpoon missiles across the rest of the fleet.

Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM)

The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) is a highly advanced, long-range precision strike weapon developed by Norwegian defense manufacturer Kongsberg. It is designed for both naval and land-based targets, making it a versatile asset for modern warfare.

In service since 2012, it has been used by multiple countries, including Norway, Poland, the United States, and Germany. Designed for sea-skimming flight, the NSM is difficult to detect and intercept. It weighs 410 kilograms and carries a 125 kilograms high-explosive fragmentation warhead. Its programmable fuze enhances versatility, allowing it to strike different target types effectively. The missile is powered by a solid-fuel rocket booster and a Microturbo TRI-40 turbojet, enabling it to reach high subsonic speeds while maintaining stealthy characteristics.

The NSM features an advanced multi-mode guidance system, combining inertial navigation, GPS, terrain reference navigation, infrared imaging seeker, and a target database to ensure pinpoint accuracy. It has an operational range exceeding 185 km (100 nautical miles), depending on the flight profile.

The Joint Strike Missile (JSM) variant, designed for aircraft deployment, extends its range to 555 km (345 mi) in a high-high-low flight profile. Costing approximately $2.19 million per unit (as of FY 2021), the NSM provides a highly capable and cost-effective solution for modern naval warfare, offering superior target discrimination and survivability against enemy defenses.

Strategic importance

Denmark’s decision to invest in the NSM aligns with its ongoing efforts to strengthen national and regional security. The missile system will enhance the country’s offensive capabilities, reinforcing its ability to counter threats in both maritime and land-based environments.

The acquisition is also part of a broader trend in Nordic defense cooperation, where countries like Denmark and Norway are increasingly working together to enhance military capabilities. The ability of the NSM to integrate seamlessly with allied forces further strengthens NATO’s collective deterrence in the region.

With growing geopolitical tensions and the need for advanced military technology, Denmark’s decision to procure the Naval Strike Missiles from Norway represents a strategic investment in national defense. The combination of cost-efficiency, rapid deployment, and interoperability makes this acquisition a significant milestone for the Danish Armed Forces.

As the deal progresses, further details regarding deployment and integration into Denmark’s military infrastructure are expected to emerge. The NSM will play a critical role in Denmark’s defense strategy for years to come.