The partnership builds on Leidos’ earlier work in launching missiles from unmanned platforms and will examine how the NSM could support advanced operations when combined with new USV designs. Kongsberg’s NSM is described as a sea skimming, precision guided cruise missile with a range of more than 300 kilometres, as well as autonomous target recognition and manoeuvres intended to evade modern air defences.
Sea Archer, now under construction in Australia, is a long range and high speed USV designed to carry modular payloads for strike, electronic warfare, logistics and ISR missions. It incorporates Leidos autonomy software and AI based battle management tools and can reach 40 knots, travel 1,500 nautical miles and support more than 900 kilograms of payload.
The larger Longbow variant carries up to 3,000 kilograms and uses four 300 horsepower OXE marine diesel engines to achieve a range greater than 2,750 nautical miles. Leidos said there is scope to explore NSM integration across several USV types as proof of concept work continues.
Further trials involving payload integration are scheduled in both Australia and the United States in 2026. “This MOU represents a significant step forward in exploring a mission-ready, sovereign maritime strike capability for Australia,” said Paul Chase, chief executive of Leidos Australia.
“By combining the proven performance of the NSM with the flexibility and endurance of a Longbow Sea Archer, we are offering Defence a potent, adaptable and locally supported solution for future operational needs.”
