Denmark is acquiring the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) through a rapid procurement process in collaboration with Norway. The agreement strengthens naval defense in the Nordic region and enhances cooperation between two close allies.
‘This is very positive news. Advanced Norwegian missiles on Danish frigates will strengthen Nordic naval defense. Closer cooperation and better coordination between our forces will enhance security in our shared region, including the High North,’ said Norwegian Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.
‘With this agreement, an already strong and well-functioning cooperation is further strengthened. The agreement is a great example of how Nordic defense cooperation is both close and effective. In an uncertain world, it is absolutely crucial for our shared security that we continue to build on and expand our Nordic cooperation in the coming years,’ said Danish Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen.
The NSM, produced by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA), will replace the Harpoon missiles currently in use on the Danish Navy’s Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates.
Closer defense cooperation
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre recently met with his Danish counterpart, Mette Frederiksen, in Oslo to discuss strengthening defense cooperation, including investments in joint platforms, weapons systems, and ammunition.
‘We will continue our close dialogue with Denmark to identify further areas for cooperation, including maintenance and investments. We will also deepen our cooperation on joint training and exercises, which we have already seen positive results from, for example, with our Sea Hawk helicopters and the training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots,’ said Minister Sandvik.
‘I am very pleased that we have managed to secure this agreement in such a short time. The Danish government is focused on speeding up procurement processes, and the agreement with Norway proves that it can be done’, said Minister Poulsen.
Rapid procurement
The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA) has signed the contracts with Denmark, which is financing the acquisition, and KDA, which is supplying the system.
‘We were given this task over the winter and have finalized the agreement in record time. This enables Denmark to acquire missiles quickly from Norway’s defense industry and demonstrates how we facilitate efficient defense trade,’ said Gro Jære, Director of the FMA.
Jære signed the contracts on 6 March alongside Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Lieutenant General Per Pugholm Olsen, head of the Danish Ministry of Defense’s Acquisition and Logistics Organization (FMI).
The rapid procurement is being conducted as a government-to-government sale under an Implementing Arrangement (IA) between Norway and Denmark, which regulates Norwegian support. The agreement covers not only the missiles but also ship-based equipment, training, and logistical support from KDA. Deliveries will take place between 2025 and 2030.