According to UK media, KNDS Deutschland has successfully tested its MARS III (Multi-domain Artillery Rocket System Third Generation) in Norway in the coastal defense role. In detail, the MARS III firing took place from an IVECO Defense Vehicle (IDV) 8x8 truck with a protected cab and 2 canisters of the Norwegian Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The test saw only one missile launched.

According to KNDS, MARS III is an open Modular Fire Control System that is not limited to munitions from a single rocket manufacturer. The launcher and MFCS are intentionally designed to make the integration of new ammunition as simple as possible, in a full open architecture mode. As a result, MARS III is capable of firing legacy and future effectors. A wide range of rockets and missiles is already integrated (PREDATOR HAWK, SKY STRIKER, EXTRA, and a training rocket) or in the process of being integrated (NSM, JFSM, AT2 Mine Barrage). As reported, the portfolio includes ammunitions able to range up to 300+ km, anti-tank mine barrages, loitering munition, or cruise missiles capable of engaging targets both on land and at sea. MARS III provides unique multi-domain capabilities through true and tested interoperability. The range of the platforms that the launching system could use is also wide: BAE tracked, IVECO 8x8 wheeled + Crane, Scania 8x8 wheeled, and Tatra 6x6 wheeled.

In its coastal defense role, the NSM demonstrates high survivability against modern air defense systems due to its passive sensors, minimal signature, extremely low sea-skimming and terrain-following flight capabilities, with a range exceeding 300 km (162 nautical miles). Its high-resolution imaging infrared seeker provides ATR and precise hit point for each ship class as well as its high-g programmable maneuvers, provide unmatched defense penetration capabilities. The NSM, and its JSM variant, have already been selected by USA, UK, Poland, Norway, Malaysia, Japan, Germany, Romania, Canada, Australia, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark.

The Ukrainian and Red Sea experiences have demonstrated the effectiveness of highly mobile coastal defenses using missiles/LMs due to their rapid deployment capabilities. MARS III's open architecture has enhanced this lethality, improved platform and ammunition versatility, and reduced logistics.

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