Victorian-based company Marand has announced an additional contract from Kongsberg Defence Australia to produce structural launcher frames and rails for the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM) launcher canisters, that are being delivered under project Sea 1300.
This follows on from Marand’s announcement in February that they had been contracted by Kongsberg to manufacture NSM launcher ramp systems.
"We have been working closely with Marand and are delighted to award this additional contract to them, further expanding our existing relationship. Marand is a very capable Australian manufacturer, and we see them as an important local partner on this project where Kongsberg is maximising local manufacturing content within an accelerated delivery schedule," said John Fry, General Manager of Kongsberg Defence Australia.
"These launcher components are significant elements of the Naval Strike Missile, and the local production of these systems demonstrate our commitment to furthering Australian manufacturing in support of the Sovereign Guided Weapon Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise”.
The selection of the NSM to replace the Harpoon Anti-Ship Missile capability on the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac Class Frigates and Hobart Class Destroyers was announced in April last year.
The NSM is a fifth generation, long-range, precision strike weapon that will provide an advanced maritime strike capability to the Royal Australian Navy.
“We are very pleased to be awarded this contract. As well as the Project Management, procurement and assembly processes at Marand we have leveraged the broader group to bring best of breed in detail component machining and surface treatment processes," said Rohan Stocker, Marand CEO.
"We have the capabilities and capacity required for GWEO, where size and production rate are key drivers, so we are pleased that has been recognised. Finally, we have appreciated the technical rigour from Kongsberg in Norway and Australia, and the excellent teamwork we have seen.”
Production of the launch ramp systems is already underway, and under this additional contract, production of the launcher frame and rails will commence immediately.