The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency conducted the trials off Andøya through its Maritime Capabilities project P6192. The programme included simulated firings and live engagements against drones.
The main objective was to verify that new combat-system functions and missile communications operated as required. The agency said the firing also confirmed that ESSM Block 2 delivered the expected performance.
Block 2 is a development of the ESSM Block 1 missile used by the Norwegian Navy until now. Data from both the missile and combat system have been sent to the United States for detailed analysis.
The campaign involved the U.S. Navy, Andøya Space Defence, Lockheed Martin, Norway’s National Naval Operations Centre and the Norwegian Navy’s Supply Command. Project manager Tor Harald Monsen directed the activity from Range Control at Andøya Space Defence.
“This has been very good international cooperation and a professional execution by both the crew of HNoMS Otto Sverdrup and the test management at Range Control,” Monsen said. The campaign brought together the ship’s crew and a multinational test and support team.
Preliminary results indicate that the project will be able to deliver the new capability to the Norwegian Navy. The agency’s Maritime Capabilities division will work with the service to plan final installation and approval of ESSM Block 2.
