Poland orders more Kongsberg missiles

Poland's Ministry of Defense has approved a contract with Kongsberg Defense Systems of Norway for additional Naval Strike Missiles. The NSM is an anti-ship and land attack weapon using composite materials for stealth characteristics. It has an operational range of more than 114 miles. Other characteristics include subsonic speed, Global Positioning System navigation and an imaging infrared homing target database. The Norwegian navy has deployed the missile system on frigates and patrol boats. Poland in 2008 contracted Kongsberg for NSM-based coastal defense systems for the Polish Navy, and this contract is an extension of it. The value of the new contract is $92 million. Kongsberg said Polish companies will be subcontracted to contribute to the missile contract work. Among components and systems to be developed by Polish partners are radar and communications for the NSM-based coastal defense system. Deliveries of the missiles will begin this year, the company said. The number of missiles to be delivered, however, wasn't disclosed.