During a visit to the Ukrainian capital, Kongsberg President Eirik Lie signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a Ukrainian partner to develop low-cost, high-volume missiles for air defence. The missiles are intended for integration with the NASAMS system and will target threats such as drones.
“There is an urgent need to produce more cost-effective air defence missiles in large volumes, to deal with threats from attacking drones,” said Lie. “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, who attended the signing alongside Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, underscored the strategic importance of the initiative. “The NASAMS air defence systems help save Ukrainian lives and protect critical infrastructure every day in Ukraine,” said Sandvik. “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.”
In a separate agreement, Kongsberg signed another MoU with a different Ukrainian industrial partner for the development of unmanned surface vessels. These drone boats will be equipped with Kongsberg’s PROTECTOR weapon station systems.
“Unmanned vessels play a major role in helping Ukraine to defend its territory, and neutralise the Russian navy in the Black Sea,” said Lie. “With support from Kongsberg’s PROTECTOR weapon station systems and our domestic partners, we are ready to deliver the next generation unmanned maritime capabilities.”
The Norwegian government is also providing financial support for the development of these unmanned maritime systems. KONGSBERG’s new Kyiv office will serve as a base for ongoing collaboration with Ukrainian industry and authorities.
