Kongsberg and Thales show the first prototype StrikeMaster missile system for the Australian Coast Guard
The Norwegian company Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace and the Australian division of Thales showed for the first time a prototype missile system that will be at the disposal of the Australian armed forces to provide coastal protection.
Here's What We Know
The missile system is called StrikeMaster. The companies showed the mockup at Indo-Pacific 2022 in mid-May, and the first prototype debuted at the LandForces 2022 event, which kicked off in Brisbane on Oct. 4.
Persistent. Disruptive. Ready.⚔️ ????????
- Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace (@KOGDefence) October 4, 2022
Together with @ThalesAustralia, we are introducing the new launcher configuration for the proven #NavalStrikeMissile Coastal Defense System - StrikeMaster - at @LandForces_Expo. Stop by stand G23 & 2M7! #LandForces2022 #Australia #defence pic.twitter.com/9i6HPsCGIQ
The StrikeMaster was designed to meet the requirements of the Australian Coast Guard. It is a low-hazard solution for firing land-based anti-ship missiles. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace designed the launcher and Thales Australia provided the Bushmaster Ute chassis.
The vehicle is powered by a 7.2-liter Caterpillar 3126E six-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 300 HP (224 kW). The Bushmaster Ute has STANAG 4569 Level 1, 2 or 3 ballistic armor, depending on configuration.
The @ThalesAustralia stand @LandForces_Expo in Brisbane. Nice to see the new Strikemaster in all its glory alongside the Hawkei. @MonchPublishing pic.twitter.com/y54FGOaeDV
- Tim Fish (@sweeneygov) October 3, 2022
The launcher uses Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace's Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Block A1 modification. These missiles were chosen because they are already in service with the Royal Australian Navy. In addition, Australia plans to use StrikeMaster launchers on Hobart and Anzac class ships.
Source: @KOGDefence
