The approval enables the MBR MK3 systems to be developed, procured, and deployed within Department of War programmes, with funding authorisation and host nation coordination where applicable. It also provides robust protection against spoofing and jamming attempts, supporting secure and uninterrupted military communications.
“Receiving DD1494 certification is a major step forward for our MBR technology,” said Vidar Bjørkedal, Vice President of Kongsberg Discovery. “It confirms that our systems meet the rigorous standards required for U.S. defense operations and reflects our commitment to delivering secure, high-performance communications solutions for both military and commercial maritime environments.”
The certification comes at a time when demand for secure and resilient communications is rising, particularly in contested and GPS-denied environments. MBR technology ensures high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity between vessels, vehicles, and command centres, improving operational effectiveness, situational awareness, and mission flexibility.
Kongsberg’s MBR systems are designed to transfer large volumes of data between vessels, shore stations, and autonomous or remotely operated vehicles. These systems are essential for enabling safe, efficient, and digitally integrated maritime operations where reliable, high-speed communication is critical.
This milestone follows Kongsberg’s earlier achievement in 2022, when the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted a rare waiver for the MBR 179 MK2 and MBR 189 MK2 systems to operate in the 5.725–5.850 GHz band. The MBR 144 series was already certified under standard FCC regulations.
With both FCC and Department of War certifications now secured, Kongsberg Discovery is well positioned to support a wide range of U.S. maritime stakeholders—from commercial operators to defence agencies—seeking robust, high-capacity communication systems capable of performing in contested information environments.
