The majority of the Norwegian Navy’s Skjold-class corvettes will be getting enhanced combat systems under a deal struck with Kongsberg.
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has signed a contract with Forsvarsmateriell (FMA), the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, to upgrade the combat management systems (CMS) on four of its six Skjold-class corvettes.
The deal, an extension to a 2022 contract as per a Kongsberg press statement, is valued at about NOK 410 million (about £31.8m) includes installing and integrating improved fire-control radars and new electro-optical sensors.
Saab is the subcontractor for the radar upgrade, which will enhance targeting capabilities of each corvette’s 76mm gun, while Safran is supplying the new electro-optical sensors, better able to detect and track small, rapid targets such as drones both in the air and on the sea surface. Kongsberg will handle both systems’ integration into the CMS.
Work on the vessels is expected to start immediately, with the first electro-optical sensor system projected to be installed during 2026 a testing completion earmarked for early 2027. The remaining systems will be delivered and installed continuously through to 2028.
Head of Maritime Capabilities at FMA Stein Håvard Bergstad commented: “This contract is an important contribution to ensuring that the Skjold class remains a relevant and effective capability in the years to come.
“The upgrade strengthens both precision, detection capability and endurance, and is a central part of the comprehensive modernization of the vessels.”
And Kongsberg DA’s Executive Vice President, Defence Systems Kjetil Reiten Myhra added: “We are pleased to continue the work with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency on the Skjold class to support and strengthen the fleet’s operational ability and availability.”
Wider upgrades previously carried out to the corvettes had focused on engines and communications systems.
- You can read more details on the Kongsberg website and the FMA website