Leidos Australia, Kongsberg to Explore Naval Strike Missile, Next-Gen USV Integration
Leidos Australia and Kongsberg Defence Australia have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore integrating Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) with Leidos’ next-generation uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), the Sea Archer and its larger variant, Longbow.
The partnership aims to demonstrate how integrating the NSM with advanced USVs could enhance the range, responsiveness, and operational flexibility of maritime strike missions.
The NSM is a sea-skimming, precision-guided cruise missile equipped with autonomous target recognition and advanced terminal-phase maneuver capability to defeat modern air defense systems.
The missile can strike targets at distances of more than 300 kilometres (186 miles).
Next-Gen USVs
Currently in development in Australia, the Sea Archer is a high-speed, long-range USV built around a modular architecture that enables rapid reconfiguration for strike, electronic warfare, logistics support and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
Powered by Leidos’ autonomy software and AI-enabled battle-management systems, the vessel achieves speeds of up to 40 knots (74 kilometers/46 miles per hour), offers an operational range of 1,500 nautical miles (2,778 kilometers/1,726 miles), and supports payloads exceeding 900 kilograms (1,984 pounds).
The larger Longbow vessel delivers a payload capacity of 3,000 kilograms (6,614 pounds) and is powered by four 300-horsepower OXE marine diesel engines, enabling an operational range of more than 2,750 nautical miles (5,093 kilometers/3,165 miles).
“This [memorandum of understanding] represents a significant step forward in exploring a mission-ready, sovereign maritime strike capability for Australia,” chief executive of Leidos Australia Paul Chase said.
“By combining the proven performance of the NSM with the flexibility and endurance of a Longbow Sea Archer, we are offering Defence a potent, adaptable and locally supported solution for future operational needs.”
