The Norwegian firm Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace, in a significant partnership with German companies MBDA Deutschland and Diehl Defence, have agreed to jointly develop the Super Sonic Strike Missile (3SM) Tyrfing anti-ship cruise missile for their respective navies.
Eirik Lie, the President of Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace, expressed his admiration for the team’s depth and capabilities, stating: “The technological prowess of our team is truly impressive. I eagerly anticipate the collaboration with Diehl Defence and MBDA Deutschland as we combine our knowledge and expertise to develop the 3SM for both nations.”
While the specifics of the 3SM Tyrfing missile remain undisclosed, its deployment in the early 2030s underscores the strategic commitment of both countries to the ongoing race in supersonic anti-ship missile development.
Rising Demand for Supersonic Anti-Ship Missiles
With advancements in air defence systems, subsonic cruise missiles became more vulnerable to interception due to their slower speeds, giving defenders greater time to react and deploy countermeasures.
While these missiles are well-suited for land attack strikes in prolonged conflicts due to their cost-effectiveness and long range, the demand for supersonic cruise missiles has been increasing against high-value targets such as maritime targets due to their ability to evade sophisticated air defence systems.
Two Russian supersonic cruise missiles, the Kh-22 and P-800 Onyx, have become a significant challenge for Ukraine, as the Ukrainian Air Force has admitted that not a single missile has been intercepted yet.
Supersonic cruise missiles travel at speeds above the speed of sound, giving less response time for air defence systems to detect, track, and engage. While only a few countries have operational missiles, several countries are developing them to boost their Area Denial capabilities in maritime regions.
From BrahMos to BrahMos NG
While the BrahMos missile has been serving as a primary strike weapon for the Indian armed forces for nearly two decades, BrahMos Aerospace is developing a lighter and stealthier version of the missile known as BrahMos NG.
The missile’s lighter weight allows it to be adaptable for a wide range of platforms, enhancing the armed forces’ ability to strike targets rapidly.
With an impressive range of 290 km and a staggering speed of Mach 3.5, the BrahMos NG missile is set to make its mark. The first flight is expected to be conducted by the end of 2025, and production will commence in 2026, showcasing its precision and speed.
DRDO is also developing a liquid-fuelled ramjet engine for the STAR (Supersonic Target) missile. Following the development, propulsion will be used to develop an air-to-ground anti-radiation missile and anti-AWACS missile.
Notable Developments
In 2021, South Korea unveiled the development of a supersonic cruise missile named Air to Ship Guided Missile 2. The missile’s slated range is 300 km, and its speed is Mach 2.5. The first flight of the missile is planned for 2025.
Japan is also developing the ASM-3A supersonic anti-ship cruise missile, which will have a speed of around Mach 3 and a range of up to 400 km. The missile is slated to be deployed in 2025.
France, which already possesses a nuclear supersonic cruise missile named ASMP-A, is developing both subsonic and supersonic cruise missiles in collaboration with the UK under the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon project. These missiles are planned to be operational by 2030.
Rising Competition for Brahmos in the Export Market
The BrahMos Aerospace secured the first-ever export order of the missile in 2022 from the Philippines, with deliveries beginning recently. The firm stated that over 12 countries from South Asia, the Middle East, and South America are in talks to purchase the missile system, with Indonesia closing towards signing the contract.
While the BrahMos NG is poised to outperform the BrahMos in exports due to its lower cost and adaptability for various launch platforms, the development of supersonic cruise missiles by numerous nations may pose tough competition for the missile in the export market.
Significant Challenge for China
China is known for its aggressive stance in various territorial and maritime disputes and its rapid expansion of maritime capabilities. The Philippines’ procurement of BrahMos coastal batteries, primarily as a defensive measure against the PLA Navy amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, underscores China’s provocative actions in the region.
Many nations engaged in developing supersonic missiles, and those expressing interest in BrahMos missiles from South Asia are embroiled in border disputes with China. Consequently, the ongoing competition in missile development presents a formidable strategic challenge for China, further amplifying regional security concerns.
Vinay Sadham
