The Norwegian and Australian de- fense militaries are considering jointly investigating the merits of integrating the stealthy Naval Strike Missile on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter that both countries are likely to buy. Discussions between the two are taking place as the anti-ship missile undergoes flight trials in the run-up for production start in late 2006 or early 2007. The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) has completed a seven-shot test series, including against moving ship targets, as part of the development for its sole customer so far, the Norwegian navy. The weapon also is being prepared for a further round of flight trials next year, which will take place at the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center at Pt. Mugu, Calif. This will involve five test shots— and explore different parts of NSM's performance envelope—by taking advantage of the greater range freedom offered at the facility.
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