Norway's Kongsberg and Ukraine Launch Landmark Defence Production Partnership

June 26, 2025 – In a major step forward for Ukraine's defence industrial base and its long-term security, Norway's Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) has entered into significant agreements with Ukrainian industry to co-develop and produce critical missile systems and advanced unmanned naval vessels. This partnership, which also includes the opening of a Kongsberg office in Kyiv, signals a strategic shift from direct aid to deep industrial cooperation, aimed at building Ukraine's sovereign defence capabilities from within.

A New Missile for NASAMS

The first landmark agreement involves KDA and a major Ukrainian company collaborating to develop and produce a new, more cost-effective missile for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). The Norwegian government will finance the production of these missiles in Ukraine.

The NASAMS, jointly developed by Kongsberg and Raytheon, is a cornerstone of Ukraine's layered air defence, proving highly effective at protecting critical infrastructure and urban centers from Russian cruise missiles, drones, and aircraft. However, a key challenge is the cost and supply of its primary interceptor, the AMRAAM missile. This new initiative aims to produce a missile that is "cheaper to manufacture than what is used today" and can be used alongside the existing AMRAAMs, providing a more sustainable and scalable solution for air defence.

Tore O. Sandvik, the Norwegian Minister of Defence, underscored the importance of this development, stating, "The Norwegian NASAMS system saves lives in Ukraine every day, and is crucial in protecting critical infrastructure. That is why it is important for the Norwegian Government to finance this development of cheaper missiles for the NASAMS system in Ukraine". This move will enhance the long-term effectiveness of one of Ukraine's most vital defence assets.

Next-Generation Drone Boats

Separately, Kongsberg has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with another Ukrainian industrial partner for the development of advanced unmanned surface vessels (USVs), or drone boats.

Ukraine has already demonstrated world-leading innovation and tactical success with its existing naval drones, which have been instrumental in neutralizing assets of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. This new partnership will elevate these capabilities further by integrating Kongsberg's sophisticated PROTECTOR weapon stations onto the domestically developed USVs. The PROTECTOR family of remote weapon systems allows for precise, stabilized targeting and engagement from a safe distance, which will significantly increase the lethality and operational flexibility of Ukraine's drone boats.

Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, highlighted the strategic logic behind the cooperation: "Unmanned vessels play a major role in helping Ukraine to defend its territory, and neutralise the Russian navy in the Black Sea, and with support from KONGSBERG's PROTECTOR weapon station systems and our domestic partners, we are ready to deliver the next generation unmanned maritime capabilities".

Strategic Implications for Ukraine

These agreements represent more than just new equipment; they are a strategic investment in Ukraine's future.

1. Technological Sovereignty: By moving production to Ukraine, the partnerships facilitate crucial technology transfer and build the domestic capacity to manufacture and sustain advanced, NATO-standard systems.
2. Sustainable Defence: Producing cheaper interceptor missiles for NASAMS creates a more cost-effective and sustainable air defence shield, allowing Ukraine to counter mass attacks more efficiently over the long term.
3. Enhanced NATO Interoperability: The co-production of systems that are already in use by NATO members deepens Ukraine's technical and operational integration with the Alliance.
4. Long-Term Commitment: The direct financing from the Norwegian government and the establishment of a Kongsberg office in Kyiv demonstrate a deep, long-term commitment to Ukraine's security that extends beyond emergency aid.

This collaboration between Kongsberg and Ukrainian industry serves as a powerful model for how international partners can help build a resilient and technologically advanced defence ecosystem in Ukraine, ensuring the nation can secure its own future

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