Highlights from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace: Missile defence, satellite constellation, joint venture, & Ukraine

Thank you for following our newsletter. From 11 July to 8 August, we will be sharing a series of weekly highlights from our business areas – key moments and achievements from the first half of 2025.

To Deliver Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) to US Air Force

Earlier this year, our business area Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace was awarded a USD 70 million contract modification for the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), increasing the total value of the agreement to USD 208 million.

Announced by the US Department of Defense, the contract modification extended KONGSBERG’s role in supporting the US Air Force with advanced missile capabilities. The work is being carried out in Kongsberg, Norway, and is scheduled for completion in 2027.

Denmark acquires Naval Strike Missile

Signed a contract to deliver Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) and associated installed equipment to Denmark in a transaction valued at NOK 2.1 billion.

The Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) acquired the NSM missiles and equipment for its Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates. The accelerated acquisition process was structured as a government-to-government (G2G) sale between DALO and its Norwegian counterpart, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA). KONGSBERG signed a contract with FMA.

KONGSBERG Becomes Satellite Operator and Completes First Constellation

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace became a satellite operator and service provider with the launch of its first microsatellite, ARVAKER 1 N3X, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California as part of SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission.

The company later completed its N3X satellite constellation with the successful launch of two additional microsatellites, ARVAKER 2 and 3, aboard the Transporter-14 mission. The constellation is designed to enhance Norway’s maritime domain awareness. KONGSBERG companies and subsidiaries cover the full value chain for next-generation satellite services – from satellite and ground station delivery to data processing and analytics.

To Develop Missiles and Unmanned Vessels in Ukraine

Entered agreements with two major Ukrainian industry players to develop and deliver low-cost, high-volume air defence missiles and unmanned surface vessels in Ukraine.

During a visit to Kyiv, KONGSBERG signed a memorandum of understanding with a Ukrainian partner to jointly develop and produce missiles for use against threats such as drones. At the same time, the company announced the establishment of a permanent office in the Ukrainian capital.

Announced New Defence Communications Joint Venture

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Thales agreed to establish a new joint venture in Norway, combining KONGSBERG’s tactical communications unit with Thales’ crypto and secure communications business.

The new company, owned 50/50 by the two partners, is intended to meet growing defence communication needs in Norway, NATO countries, and beyond. It will employ around 350 people across Oslo, Trondheim, and Asker.

Updates and Highlights Worth Noting:

Entered into a long-term agreement for the maintenance of the F-35 in Norway

• Signed a contract with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency for the maintenance and future upgrade requirements of the Norwegian F-35 fighter aircraft in Norway.

Germany buys KONGSBERG’s Joint Strike Missiles

• On 5 June 2025, KONGSBERG announced that Germany had selected the JSM for its F-35 fighter jets, while contract negotiations were ongoing. The contract between the parties has now been signed.

Norway completed F-35 fleet and received first Joint Strike Missile

• Norway and the Norwegian Armed Forces marked two major milestones: the delivery of the final two F-35 fighter aircraft and the arrival of the first Joint Strike Missile (JSM). Both the F-35 and the JSM are crucial for strengthening Norway’s defence capabilities

Entered Strategic Defence Partnerships with European Industry Leaders

• Signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with Naval Group to collaborate on development, production, and support. The company also entered cooperation agreements with thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and BAE Systems to strengthen industrial collaboration in support of the defence needs of Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom, and allied nations.