StrikeMaster is Kongsberg’s Australian configuration of the Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defence System. The system combines a twin-pack Naval Strike Missile launcher with Thales Australia’s Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle platform.
The vehicle is designed to provide long-range maritime strike and land attack capabilities from a mobile ground platform. Kongsberg said the system maintains interoperability with other Naval Strike Missile coastal defence solutions already in service.
The launch vehicle recently attracted significant global attention following a live-firing test conducted in Norway. Telemetry and instrumentation data from the event were jointly analysed by engineering teams from Kongsberg and Thales Australia.
According to the companies, the test generated extensive performance data that has now been evaluated through detailed post-event analysis. The results confirmed that the system met all safety and design requirements and exceeded expectations in several key performance areas.
Engineers reported that the crew compartment remained safe and suitable for operators during missile launch operations. Test data showed favourable results in areas such as internal cabin noise levels, cabin pressure, exhaust gas ingress and driver visibility.
Additional measurements confirmed the structural suitability of the Bushmaster Utility vehicle as a launch platform. Vibration and stability data indicated that the vehicle maintained structural integrity and operational stability during live-fire conditions.
The system also demonstrated strong manoeuvrability while remaining well within the Bushmaster platform’s operational limits. Engineers concluded that the platform presents a low-risk configuration for deploying Naval Strike Missile launch systems.
The results highlight the technical cooperation between Kongsberg and Thales Australia during development of the system. Kongsberg contributed experience from other Naval Strike Missile coastal defence programmes, while Thales Australia provided expertise in the Bushmaster vehicle platform.
Kongsberg said growing international demand for deployable coastal defence systems influenced the decision to keep StrikeMaster in Europe. The system’s mobility, operational range and crew protection have been cited as key factors attracting attention from potential operators.
“We are seeing a substantial increase in the interest for land based, deployable and distributed systems capable of launching NSM, both from existing and potentially new customers. Keeping the StrikeMaster launch vehicle in Europe provides a valuable opportunity for KONGSBERG and Thales to engage directly with international customers and partners who are seeking a mature solution,” said Øyvind Kolset, executive vice president of Kongsberg Group and president of Missiles & Aerostructures.
Kolset added that the system combines established missile technology with a proven vehicle platform. “StrikeMaster combines the market leading strike missile with a trusted, highly capable platform, offering a unique capability that is ready now.”
Kongsberg said the StrikeMaster vehicle will continue supporting demonstration and engagement activities across Europe and allied regions. The company expects the platform to play a role in discussions with nations seeking rapidly deployable coastal defence capabilities.
