Kongsberg and Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems sign deal to expand joint naval defence work
Norway's Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace and Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems have signed a cooperation agreement to expand industrial collaboration on defence capabilities for Norway, Germany and allied countries.
The agreement is intended to reinforce existing ties between the two companies and broaden their technological cooperation in naval defence programmes.
Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace President Eirik Lie said the agreement builds on years of collaboration between the Norwegian and German defence industries, especially in the area of submarines.
“Kongsberg and Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems already have a substantial cooperation related to submarines. This new agreement enables us to build on the successful partnerships between the two companies and between our two nations’ industries,” Lie said in a company statement.
Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems CEO Oliver Burkhard said the agreement formalises long-standing cooperation between the companies and reflects broader defence alignment between the two countries.
“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 German armed forces.” Burkhard said.
The agreement comes as Norway continues discussions with Germany and three other nations for a potential strategic partnership to replace its Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates. The Norwegian Ministry of Defence selected Germany as a potential partner in 2024.
Under the new agreement, Kongsberg and Thyssenkrupp will explore long-term cooperation in existing and future joint defence programmes across multiple military domains. Areas of potential collaboration include the Vanguard vessel system, through-life support services for new frigates, strike missile systems, maritime surveillance, and other naval ship technologies.
Both companies said the partnership aims to support domestic defence industries while positioning their offerings for allied international markets.
