German and Norwegian defense firms team up to develop Super Sonic Strike Missile

Europe, News May 17, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

Norway’s Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace signed an agreement with Germany’s Diehl Defence and MBDA Deutschland to collaborate on the development of the Tyrfing Super Sonic Strike Missile (3SM).

The three companies will work alongside the Norwegian and German Defense Forces, as well as national research organizations, to assess and define the features and capabilities of the 3SM Tyrfing missile. The Norwegian government initially announced this initiative in November 2023 and chose Kongsberg as the primary contractor for the project. The missiles are expected to be delivered by 2025.

Diehl Defense CEO Helmut Rauch stressed the importance of combining the companies’ expertise in creating a highly advanced missile. “We are proud having established a team of the best experts of our companies, who complement each other, trust each other, and contribute their individual knowledge and skills. Together, we will develop a game changer with 3SM that none of us could develop on our own,” Rauch said.

Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace commended the “depth and capabilities” of the team and said that he looked forward to “cooperating with Diehl Defense and MBDA Deutschland and combining our teams’ knowledge and expertise to develop 3SM for both of our nations.”

Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Deutschland, said: “As we have seen over the last 2 years, stand-off weapons are crucial for credible deterrence and defense. Joining forces between our companies will strengthen the Norwegian, German, and European armed forces improving the defense of our home nations.”

MBDA supersonic and subsonic Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) models — *^{MBDA supersonic and subsonic FC/ASW models on display at Paris Air Show 2023. (Image Credit: RiD/MBDA)}*

The 3SM Tyrfing missile represents a significant advancement in naval strike capabilities, arising from a collaborative effort between Kongsberg, Diehl Defense, and MBDA Deutschland. Designed to enhance the offensive capabilities of Norwegian and German naval forces, the Tyrfing missile is poised to complement the existing Naval Strike Missiles (NSMs) deployed on their vessels.

Tyrfing Super Sonic Strike Missile

At the core of Tyrfing’s design is its impressive performance characteristics. With a projected maximum speed of Mach 0.93, equivalent to approximately 714 miles or 1,148 kilometers per hour, and an operational range extending beyond 190 kilometers, the Tyrfing promises formidable firepower coupled with extensive reach. These specifications ensure its effectiveness in engaging targets at considerable distances with swift precision.

Moreover, the Tyrfing missile is expected to integrate advanced guidance systems and cutting-edge technologies to enhance accuracy and reliability during combat scenarios. Its development involves close collaboration with the Norwegian and German Defense Forces, as well as national research organizations, ensuring that it meets stringent requirements and remains at the forefront of naval warfare capabilities.

As nations continue to prioritize maritime security and defense, the introduction of the 3SM Tyrfing missile signifies a significant step forward in bolstering naval strike capabilities, underscoring a commitment to maintaining strategic superiority and safeguarding maritime interests in an evolving geopolitical landscape.