The new company is set to employ approximately 350 people across Oslo, Trondheim, and Asker. Its creation responds to growing demand among European armed forces for improved interoperability, technological sovereignty, and large-scale defence communications equipment.
In 2024, the two businesses together generated around NOK 1.5 billion (EUR 130 million) in revenue. With significant market opportunities and product synergies, the venture expects to grow to NOK 3 billion in annual revenue by the end of the decade.
KONGSBERG provides tactical radio systems for ground forces and tactical networks used in platforms such as the NASAMS air defence system. Thales in Norway specialises in high-grade crypto networks and secure voice communication systems for NATO and other allied nations.
“By consolidating KONGSBERG’s secure communications and Thales’ crypto expertise, we will create a comprehensive, robust communications offering and be better positioned to deliver and develop current and future technologies and services to the armed forces,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
“Together, we can develop and sustain a broader and stronger product portfolio and domain expertise to create a solid partner for the Norwegian customer, while also gaining access to better market channels internationally, particularly with the support of Thales’ global distribution network,” Lie added.
Christophe Salomon, Executive Vice President of Thales, Secure Communications & Information Systems, said: “Through this jointly owned company, we will be able to strengthen collaboration and leverage synergies between KONGSBERG and Thales, creating a new key player in secure communications that supports bilateral cooperation between Norway and France.”
“The new company will be particularly well-positioned to address markets where there are complementarities between Thales and Kongsberg’s portfolio and geographical footprint,” Salomon continued.
