The agreements are the result of a framework agreement signed between Kongsberg and the Armament Agency in September this year. The September framework agreement, worth about PLN 8 billion gross (EUR 1.8 billion), stipulates that the Polish Navy will receive “several hundreds” NSM Block 1A missiles with a range of more than 250 km between 2026 and 2032. The current executive agreements specify the scope of delivery of the first elements of two MJRs, consisting of a total of four fire squadrons.
More than 60 vehicles
The first contract, signed with PIT-RADWAR, is for the manufacture and delivery of vehicles for four squadrons. Its value amounted to PLN 1.1 billion net. Each squadron will include three MCCs (Mobile Communication Center), one SCV (Squadron Command Vehicle), two BCVs (Battery Command Vehicle), six CCVs (Command Control Vehicle) and one MWV (Mobile Workshop Vehicle). In addition, each MJR will receive one MCC and one NCV (Naval Command Vehicle), making it possible to command two squadrons independently. The NCV is a new type of MJR vehicle, not used in the current structure.
The Kongsberg and PIT-RADWAR contract does not include the cost of acquiring the chassis. Earlier, the Armament Agency concluded a contract worth PLN 470 million with Jelcz for the supply of all chassis of the two new MJRs, not only those mentioned above, but also the MLV (Missile Launch Vehicle, six in each squadron) and TLV (Transport Loading Vehicle, two in each squadron), which Kongsberg is responsible for supplying. This brings the total to more than 60 vehicles.
NSM production in Poland
The second contract, with Wojskowe Zakłady Elektroniczne (WZE), calls for the transfer of knowledge and technology regarding maintenance and production of NSM missiles. For WZE, this is an extension of its already existing competence in missile technology to the highest possible and export-approved level. The company will have the technology and knowledge to carry out maintenance of NSM missiles. At the same time, as a certified partner that is part of the supply chain for NSM production, WZE will support Kongsberg in the supply of new missiles for the Polish Navy, including in the area of NSM component production in Poland.
Currently, the Polish Navy has one MJR, which includes two fire squadrons. So far, Poland has purchased a total of 74 NSM missiles (12 under the 2008 contract, 38 in 2010 and 24 in 2014).
NSM-SL for Orka submarine program
During BaltExpo (October 10-12), Kongsberg promoted the NSM-SL (Submarine Launched) missile. The NSM-SL design is based on the NSM and JSM (Joint Strike Missile). The implementation of the NSM-SL assumed:
- The ability to fire from a standard NATO torpedo tubes (533 mm), and use accompanying interfaces;
- Transport and launch in a protective capsule;
- Use of JSM design;
- Preservation of NSM and JSM operational capabilities, and exploring the concept of using a booster engine to increase range.
The JSM was developed from the NSM to fit in the weapon bay of the Lockheed Martin F-35A/C Lightning II aircraft. The missile’s fuselage is longer and narrower compared to the NSM. This feature will be used in the NSM-SL, facilitating its integration into the torpedo launcher. In order to adapt the JSM for firing from a submerged submarine, modifications to the airframe were required to fit the missile into a 533mm diameter capsule. The capsule will be adapted to all modes of launch, including swim-out. Once it surfaces, the missile ejects from the capsule and continues its flight using an engine with thrust vector control.
NSM-SL is a proposal in the Orka submarine program for the Polish Navy. It is also likely to be part of the weapons package of German and Norwegian Type 212CD submarines
