The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and its air-launched variant, the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), are advanced, long-range, precision-guided missiles produced by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. Designed to engage high-value, heavily defended targets at sea and on land, these missiles combine stealth, agility, and autonomous targeting, making them among the most capable strike weapons in modern naval and aerial warfare.
NSM: Ship-Launched and Coastal Defense
The NSM is deployed on Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates and Skjold-class coastal corvettes of the Norwegian Navy. It is also integrated into the NSM Coastal Defense System (NSM CDS), selected by Poland, providing long-range precision strike capabilities against naval and land targets at distances exceeding 200 km.
Equipped with an I3R (Intelligent Imaging Infrared) seeker and Autonomous Target Recognition (ATR), the NSM can identify and engage specific targets with programmable hit points and optimized fuzing. Its low-observable shape, super sea-skimming capability, and high-G evasive maneuvers allow it to penetrate modern air defense systems effectively.
The NSM CDS includes a Fire Distribution Centre (FDC) for command and control, sea surveillance and tracking radars, and a canister-protected missile launcher, enabling flexible deployment in littoral and open-sea environments.
JSM: Air-Launched Precision Strike
The Joint Strike Missile (JSM) is the air-launched counterpart of the NSM, designed for platforms such as the F-35/JSF, Gripen NG, and Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Its compact design fits inside internal weapon bays, maintaining the aircraft’s stealth profile while delivering highly precise strikes against land and sea targets at ranges greater than 150 nautical miles (~277 km).
The JSM shares many NSM features, including low radar cross-section, extreme sea-skimming capability, and advanced target discrimination, enabling pilots to execute complex strike missions with minimal exposure to enemy defenses.
Design and Technical Features
Both the NSM and JSM are powered by a solid-fuel rocket booster for initial acceleration and a Microturbo TRI-40 turbojet for sustained flight. The NSM measures 3.96 meters in length and weighs 407 kg (warhead 120 kg), while the JSM is slightly shorter at 3.70 meters and weighs 370 kg (warhead 120 kg). Both missiles employ INS, GPS, and laser altimeter guidance for precise navigation over long distances.
Other features include:
- Extreme stealth and low radar signature
- High maneuverability for complex littoral or land-based missions
- Advanced mission planning for standoff and flexible engagement
- Multi-platform deployment options for ships, coastal batteries, and aircraft
Operational Significance
The NSM and JSM are fifth-generation precision strike missiles, offering naval and air forces the ability to neutralize high-value targets while staying out of range of enemy defenses. Their combination of long-range, stealth, and intelligent targeting makes them essential for modern anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and naval fire support (NFS) operations.
Operators: Norway, Poland
NSM Range: >100 nautical miles (~185 km)
JSM Range: >150 nautical miles (~277 km)
Speed: High subsonic
In conclusion, the NSM and JSM missiles provide unmatched flexibility, precision, and lethality, ensuring that naval and air forces can conduct effective strikes against well-defended targets at extended ranges.
