StrikeMaster integrates Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile with the Thales Australia Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle. The combination is designed to provide a mobile, land-based maritime strike capability that can be moved rapidly between firing positions.
The system is participating in Operation Atlantic City with forces from the United States, the UK and Norway. The operation is part of Arctic Sentry, NATO’s enhanced vigilance activity across the northern European region.
Jan Mayen presents demanding conditions for military equipment because of its remote location, weather, terrain and limited logistics. The deployment allows the companies and participating forces to assess StrikeMaster’s mobility, operational integration and ability to function in an austere environment.
“This is a clear recognition of the ‘ready now’ capability of the StrikeMaster platform,” said Jeff Connolly, chief executive of Thales Australia and New Zealand. “Our proven Bushmaster vehicle combined with Kongsberg’s in-service Naval Strike Missile allows the coastal defence system to provide deterrence right now – in this instance, for NATO.”
Kongsberg Australia said the operation had demonstrated the value of adapting the Naval Strike Missile for ground launch. The weapon has been selected or fielded by 12 NATO members and partner countries.
“Operation Atlantic City has clearly demonstrated the deployability, flexibility and utility of StrikeMaster and its ground launch application of the proven Naval Strike Missile which has been selected or fielded by a dozen NATO nations and partners,” said John Fry, managing director of Kongsberg Australia. “StrikeMaster is mobile, survivable, and lethal.”
The companies said the deployment showed that StrikeMaster could support allied deterrence and collective defence missions beyond Australia. They also presented the system as an example of Australian industrial capability designed to operate alongside NATO forces.
