Kongsberg Contracts Raytheon to Build NSM Launchers in US

Having reported, during FIA 2016, Kongsberg Defence Systems and Raytheon finalising plans to assemble, integrate and test the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) in the US, today both announced that Raytheon has received an initial contract to produce NSM launchers at its production facility in Louisville, KY/USA, ushering in US manufacturing of the Norwegian-developed weapon system.

Kongsberg Defence Systems awarded the initial contract for qualification units. Raytheon also plans to perform final assembly, integration and test of the NSM at Raytheon’s Tucson, AZ facility.

“Building NSM launchers at our Louisville facility is an excellent extension of our long-standing relationship with Kongsberg,” Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems President, said. “This contract will enable us to add jobs while providing our Norwegian teammates with world-class launchers.”

“This contract is an important next step in our long-term partnership with Raytheon, and the historic first production contract for NSM in the US,” Harald Ånnestad, Kongsberg Defence Systems President, continued. “Kongsberg is committed to continuing the evolution of building and supporting NSM in the US for the foreseeable future. This helps to create high tech jobs and secures US sustainability of NSM.”