Leidos, Kongsberg to explore integration of NSM with USVs

November 12, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Leidos Australia and Kongsberg Defence Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the integration of Kongsberg’s naval strike missile (NSM) with Leidos’ next-generation uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), Sea Archer and Longbow.

As informed, the partnership aims to demonstrate how integrating the NSM with advanced USVs could extend the reach, responsiveness, and adaptability of maritime strike possibilities.

Kongsberg’s ship-based NSM is a sea-skimming, precision-guided cruise missile capable of engaging targets at a range of more than 300 km. Designed for survivability, the NSM features autonomous target recognition and advanced terminal manoeuvres to evade modern defences.

“This MOU represents a significant step forward in exploring a mission-ready, sovereign maritime strike capability for Australia,” said Paul Chase, chief executive of Leidos Australia.

“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.”

Sea Archer, currently under construction in Australia, is a high-speed, long-range USV designed to support modular payloads for strike, electronic warfare, logistics resupply and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

Equipped with Leidos’ advanced autonomy software and AI-powered battle management technologies, the vessel reaches speeds up to 40 knots, has a range of 1,500 nautical miles and supports a payload of over 900 kg.

The larger Longbow variant has an increased payload capacity of 3,000 kgs and is powered by four (4) OXE marine diesel engines with 300 horsepower supporting a range in excess of 2,750 nautical miles.

Currently at the proof-of-concept stage, there is potential to explore NSM integration with a variety of Leidos USVs. Further development and integrated payload capabilities are being trialled both in the US and in Australia in 2026.