Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has signed two cooperation agreements with Ukrainian defense industry partners to jointly develop and produce low-cost, high-volume air defence missiles and unmanned surface vessels. The agreements coincide with the official opening of KONGSBERG’s new permanent office in Kyiv.
During a visit to the Ukrainian capital, Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a local partner for the co-development of air defence missiles designed to counter drone threats. These new systems are intended to be compatible with the NASAMS air defence system.
“There is an urgent need to produce more cost-effective air defence missiles in large volumes to meet the growing threat from drones,” Lie said. “With support from Norwegian authorities and our Ukrainian partner, we aim to develop a missile system that can be mass produced and integrated with NASAMS.”
Norway’s Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik, who attended the signing ceremony alongside Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, stated: “NASAMS systems are saving lives and protecting critical infrastructure in Ukraine every day. The Norwegian government is now funding the development of more affordable missiles that can work with NASAMS in Ukraine.”
Expansion into Maritime CapabilitiesIn a separate agreement, KONGSBERG signed an MoU with another Ukrainian industrial player to jointly develop armed unmanned surface vessels (USVs). These drone boats will feature KONGSBERG’s PROTECTOR remote weapon stations.
“Unmanned maritime systems are playing a critical role in Ukraine’s defense, particularly in countering the Russian navy in the Black Sea,” Lie noted. “Together with our domestic partners, we are ready to deliver the next generation of unmanned maritime capabilities.”
The development of these systems is also being supported by Norwegian funding.
