BAE Systems Australia will provide Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace in Norway with an initial batch of Passive Radio Frequency Sensors for the Joint Strike Missile (JSM). This order marks first Full Rate Production order of the miniaturised sensors, which were designed and developed in Australia, and is part of a larger agreement between the two companies that has successfully continued for five years.
Kongsberg’s fifth-generation long-range, precision-guided JSM is designed to be highly effective against maritime and land targets, and is the only anti-ship cruise missile that can be carried internally within the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.
The Passive Radio Frequency Sensor was originally developed with funding from the Australian Government’s Priority Industry Capability Program. Following this initial support, BAE Systems Australia and Kongsberg have continued to invest in the qualification and integration of the sensor into the JSM.
The order follows a set of flight trials that demonstrated the successful integration of the electronic systems into the missile.
John Fry, Kongsberg Defence Australia’s General Manager, commented: “Kongsberg values the close co-operation between Australia and Norway, both through our work with BAE Systems Australia and the respective national Science and Technology organisations to achieve significant capability enhancements for precision weapons. This co-operation further demonstrates Kongsberg’s willingness to work closely with Australian Defence Industry and provide opportunities within their Global Supply Chain for ongoing export opportunities.”
Andrew Gresham, BAE Systems Australia Managing Director for Defence Delivery, stated: “BAE Systems is a specialist developer of Advanced Miniature Digital Electronic Support Measures Systems which provides Radio Frequency situational awareness that enables rapid decision-making. This is a great example of niche technology developed in Australia and which will add to the nation’s defence exports.”
