Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. It is a major division of the Norwegian technology conglomerate Kongsberg Gruppen, specializing in advanced defense and aerospace systems. The company's origins trace back to the establishment of Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk in 1814, making it one of the world's oldest defense contractors. Today, it is a key supplier to the Norwegian Armed Forces and a significant exporter of high-technology products to international markets, including NATO allies and other global partners.

History

The company's foundation is rooted in Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk, a state-owned arms manufacturer established by royal decree to secure Norway's military independence after the Treaty of Kiel. Initially producing muskets and cannons, it later became famous for the Krag–Jørgensen rifle, adopted by the United States Army and the Royal Norwegian Navy. During the Cold War, the company expanded into sophisticated systems, developing the Penguin anti-ship missile in cooperation with the United States Navy. A pivotal moment came in 1987 with the Kongsberg scandal, involving illicit technology transfers to the Soviet Union, which led to severe sanctions and a major corporate restructuring. Following this, the defense assets were integrated into the newly formed Kongsberg Gruppen in 1995, solidifying its modern structure and focus on cutting-edge technology.

Products and services

The portfolio encompasses a wide array of advanced military systems, with missiles being a cornerstone, including the Naval Strike Missile and the joint strike missile developed for the F-35 Lightning II. In aerospace, it produces the NASAMS air defense system, operational in over a dozen nations including the United States and Ukraine. The division is also a leader in remote weapon stations like the Protector, used on vehicles such as the M1 Abrams and Boxer. Other key products include communication systems for the Norwegian Intelligence Service, avionics for the Royal Norwegian Air Force, and targeting systems for the Leopard 2 main battle tank. It provides comprehensive lifecycle support and integration services for complex defense platforms.

Major projects and contracts

A landmark program is the ongoing development and international sales of the Naval Strike Missile, selected by the United States Navy for its littoral combat ships and by the Polish Armed Forces. The company is a principal partner in the multinational F-35 Lightning II program, supplying advanced composite components and the joint strike missile. The NASAMS system, co-developed with Raytheon Technologies, has seen significant contracts, including a major deployment to protect Washington, D.C. and recent deliveries to Ukraine amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Other major undertakings include supplying the Protector remote weapon station to the British Army and providing the command and control system for the new Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates.

Organization and subsidiaries

As a core division of Kongsberg Gruppen, it operates through several specialized subsidiaries and business units. Key entities include Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS, which handles most direct defense contracts, and Kongsberg Protech Systems, focused on weapon stations and vehicle systems. The division collaborates closely with other group units like Kongsberg Maritime and Kongsberg Digital. It maintains significant manufacturing and R&D facilities in Kongsberg, Norway, and has established international offices and partnerships, including joint ventures with companies like Raytheon Technologies in the United States and cooperation with Airbus in Europe.

See also

* Kongsberg Gruppen * Norwegian defence industry * List of defense contractors * Nammo * Saab Group

Category:Defense companies of Norway Category:Aerospace companies of Norway Category:Kongsberg