Kongsberg, Diehl and MBDA team to develop Tyrfing supersonic missile

Missile manufacturers Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Diehl Defence and MBDA Deutschland have formed a joint venture to successfully complete the development of the future Norwegian-German Tyrfing Super-Sonic Strike Missile (3SM).

The partnership, led by Kongsberg, brings together the companies’ strengths and decades of missile development experience to develop this state-of-the-art, manoeuvrable, long-range supersonic missile for Norway and Germany as well as future allied customers, according to a joint press release issued by the companies involved on 13 May 2024.

The team will work closely with the Norwegian and German armed forces and their national research organisations to define and develop what is billed as being the world’s most advanced long-range strike capability designed address future surface threats.

“I am so impressed with the depth and capabilities of this team. I look forward to working with Diehl and MBDA Germany and combining the knowledge and expertise of our teams to develop 3SM for both our nations,” Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace, was quoted as saying.

Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Germany, stated, “As we have seen over the last two years, stand-off weapons are crucial for credible deterrence and defence. Joining forces between our companies will strengthen the Norwegian, German and European armed forces and improve the defence of our homelands.”

“We are proud that we have formed a team of the best experts from our companies, who complement each other, trust each other and contribute their individual knowledge and skills. Together, we will develop a game changer with 3SM that none of us could develop on our own,” added Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence.

The Norwegian government announced the Tyrfing 3SM initiative in November 2023 (ESuT reported: https://esut.de/2023/11/meldungen/45691/entwicklung-des-norwegisch-deutschen-ueberschall-flugkoerpers-tyrfing-beginnt/). The industrial team essential to the success of this project has now concluded the partnership agreement described above.