Norwegian Firm Kongsberg to Co-Develop Air Defence Missiles, Drone Boats in Ukraine

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has signed agreements with two Ukrainian defense firms to co-develop air defence missiles and unmanned surface vessels, while also opening a permanent office in Kyiv.

The move was announced on June 22 during a visit to the Ukrainian capital by Kongsberg President Eirik Lie and Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Onshuus Sandvik.

“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.”

The agreement includes a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to co-produce missiles designed for use with the NASAMS system. Ukraine currently relies on NASAMS to defend cities and infrastructure from Russian air attacks.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has also confirmed that Norway will invest $400 million in Ukraine’s defense production, mainly focused on air defense and drones.

“Today, Norway’s Minister of Defense visited Ukraine. A decision has been reached to invest $400 million in our production – new funding, primarily for drones,” Zelensky said in his June 22 address.

In a separate MoU, Kongsberg also signed a deal to co-develop unmanned surface vessels with a Ukrainian company. These vessels 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 weapon station systems and our domestic partners, we are ready to deliver the next generation unmanned maritime capabilities.”

Permanent presence in Kyiv

The signing ceremony also marked the official opening of KONGSBERG’s office in Kyiv, which will serve as a base for expanding cooperation with Ukraine’s defense sector.

President Zelensky noted that Kongsberg’s growing presence in Ukraine is part of a larger effort to accelerate domestic production.