Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has signed a cooperation agreement with BAE Systems to enhance industrial cooperation in support of defence needs of Norway, the UK, and allied countries.
The partnership was formalised onboard the UK Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans in Oslo, Norway.
This alliance is structured to serve as a catalyst for employment growth, technology sharing, and investments that will have positive impacts on both domestic and global markets.
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace president Eirik Lie said: “This agreement enables us to build on the successful partnerships between Kongsberg and BAE Systems and between our two nations’ industries. It further strengthens our ability to offer advanced maritime capability to the Norwegian and UK militaries.”
Under the newly signed agreement, Kongsberg and BAE Systems have agreed to pursue extensive long-term collaboration on current and future joint initiatives spanning various military sectors.
This partnership will span across a variety of joint programmes within the full spectrum of military operations.
Potential areas of cooperation under this agreement include the Vanguard vessel system, a comprehensive partnership for the ongoing support of the newly commissioned frigates, as well as the development and delivery of strike missiles.
Additionally, the agreement encompasses cooperative efforts in maritime surveillance, targeting technologies, and the provision of advanced ship systems for the frigate fleets of both nations.
BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn said: “We have worked together with Kongsberg for more than 80 years, which reflects the strong relationship between the UK and Norway, built over decades of cooperation as close allies and friends.
“This agreement brings together a number of areas in which our companies are already collaborating and further enhances our ability to deliver advanced defence capabilities for current and future Norwegian and UK armed forces.”
In 2024, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence expressed intentions to discuss a strategic partnership for new frigates with France, Germany, the UK, and the US.
This initiative seeks to replace Norway’s Fridtjof Nansen-class vessels with a collaborative approach.
In June 2024, the Long-Term Plan was endorsed for the Norwegian Armed Forces, which includes the procurement of a minimum of five, possibly six, new anti-submarine frigates with anti-submarine helicopters.
Sign up for our daily news round-up!
Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights.
