Unveiled on Monday, the facility serves as a global centre for testing and demonstrating the latest maritime protection technologies. It reflects Kongsberg’s commitment to providing integrated solutions in response to rising geopolitical and security challenges.
“The Oslofjord Test Bed provides us with a concrete tool to strengthen maritime preparedness,” said Norwegian Minister of Energy Terje Aasland. “The centre is the result of collaboration between industry, researchers and authorities – and demonstrates how Norwegian technology and innovation can be applied to meet a new era of more complex threats and higher demands for security.”
The test bed supports joint efforts by public and private stakeholders to simulate real-life scenarios, enhance response capabilities, and train personnel using real-time data from radars, satellites, and underwater sensors. It also acts as a hub for knowledge exchange and discussion on emerging maritime threats.
“With ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and an increasingly dynamic risk picture, the need for safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure has never been greater,” stated KONGSBERG CEO Geir Håøy. “At Kongsberg, we are uniquely positioned to deliver scalable technologies, combining subsea autonomy, satellite surveillance, traffic monitoring and real-time analytics for greater awareness, understanding and, ultimately, action when it comes to countering threats.”
The facility will showcase solutions from across the Kongsberg portfolio, including underwater drones and sensors from Kongsberg Discovery and advanced monitoring systems from Kongsberg Norcontrol and KSAT. Håøy added, “By bringing together technology, insights, and stakeholders at this hub, we can help ensure the best approach to safeguarding key assets and society itself.”
Developed following the Norwegian Government’s White Paper on Total Preparedness, the centre supports the call for closer cooperation between industry and public authorities. Kongsberg Discovery brings its extensive experience in subsea robotics and sensors to the project, offering tools such as the HUGIN AUVs, AIS Space Receivers and advanced sonar technologies.
The Oslofjord Test Bed has already attracted interest from both public and private sectors across Europe. It is aligned with EU security initiatives and participates in programmes supported by the European Defence Fund.
“We are dedicated to developing technology that enables users to patrol, surveil and protect critical maritime infrastructure with the utmost confidence,” said Håøy. “Our systems work across all layers of the maritime environment to collect data, with advanced software, AI and machine learning harnessing that power to deliver intelligence, understanding and optimal situational awareness.”
“Threats to critical infrastructure are growing, through both conventional and hybrid targeting, as well as increasing traffic and climate risk, and we need the innovations, strategies and collaborations to counter them. This new facility is central to that mission. We’re delighted to announce its opening,” he concluded.
