3SM Tyrfing: Norway and Germany’s future supersonic naval strike missile

3SM Tyrfing is the joint Norwegian-German programme previously known as Future Naval Strike Missile. Kongsberg leads an industry team with Diehl Defence and MBDA Deutschland. The weapon is intended to combine long range, manoeuvrability and supersonic speed against sea and land targets and become available in the mid-2030s. No final public missile design yet exists.

Complement rather than simple NSM replacement

Official material describes 3SM as complementary to Naval Strike Missile. NSM remains a subsonic low-observable weapon; Tyrfing is intended to add speed and greater reach. Different profiles complicate defence and give commanders a broader set of choices.

What is technically confirmed

Supersonic speed, long range, manoeuvrability and sea and land attack are confirmed aims. Range, Mach number, dimensions, warhead, seeker and launch arrangement are not public. Precise figures derived from artwork or press reports are not specifications.

Platforms and industry

Norwegian and German naval vessels are intended carriers. Kongsberg contributes NSM/JSM experience, while Diehl and MBDA add German missile expertise. Cooperation shares funding and market access but requires common requirements, export rules and interfaces. Frigate integration will be a major project in itself.

Editorial assessment

Tyrfing matters because Europe is jointly developing a long-range high-speed maritime weapon. The military logic is credible; technical maturity remains early. Until design, motor, seeker and flight tests are defined, detailed comparisons with Zircon or other missiles should be labelled speculation.

Primary sources and method

This assessment uses official government, armed-forces and manufacturer material. Missing data are not replaced with estimates.

• Norwegian Government – 3SM Tyrfing programme
• Kongsberg – industrial partnership with Diehl and MBDA