Norwegian defence firm Kongsberg will help Ukraine develop new uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) equipped with its weapons under a new partnership deal.
In a recent press statement the firm announced it had just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an unnamed Ukrainian industry “for the development of unmanned surface vessels, or drone boats, equipped with weapon stations from Kongsberg.”
The news formed part of a wider announcement as the multinational defence firm established a permanent office in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, revealing it was also partnering with another domestic industry to jointly develop and produce air defence missiles.
President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace Eirik Lie commented during a visit to Kyiv: “Unmanned vessels play a major role in helping Ukraine to defend its territory, and neutralise the Russian navy in the Black Sea, and with support from our partners, we are ready to deliver the next-generation unmanned maritime capabilities.”
And talking about the air-defence-missile MoU, he added: “There is an urgent need to produce more cost-effective air defence missiles in large volumes, to deal with threats from attacking drones.
“Together with our Ukrainian partner, and with support from the Norwegian authorities, we look forward to developing an effective missile that we can manufacture and deliver in large numbers and that can be integrated with the NASAMS air defence system.”
Norwegian Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik said: “The NASAMS air defence systems help save Ukrainian lives and protect critical infrastructure every day in Ukraine. The government is now funding the development of air defence missiles that are cheaper to produce and that can be used in conjunction with the NASAMS air defence system in Ukraine.”
Minister of Defence for Ukraine Rustem Umerov said: “We deeply value Norway’s steadfast support — from its government, its people, and all who stand with Ukraine in our fight for freedom. Together, we are strengthening European security and bringing victory closer.”
He added: “Together, we will implement projects in interceptor production, air defence enhancement, and maritime protection — areas in which Kongsberg is a global leader. This also opens new opportunities for cooperation between Ukrainian and Norwegian engineers, particularly in improving the effectiveness of existing weapons and implementing innovations.”
- You can read more details on the Kongsberg website and the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence website
