Kongsberg and TKMS sign co-operation agreement to foster closer collaboration

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) have entered into a co-operation agreement aimed at fostering further close industrial collaboration to support the defence requirements of Norway, Germany and other allied countries.

Under the terms of the agreement the two companies will seek to explore long-term co-operation in existing and future joint programmes across all military domains. These could include Kongsberg’s Vanguard–class multirole warship, a strategic partnership for through-life support of future frigates, strike missiles, maritime surveillance and targeting systems, and ship system deliveries to both nations’ naval vessels.

In 2024 the Norwegian Ministry of Defence in selected Germany as one of four countries for discussions about a potential strategic partnership in relation to the delivery of new frigates to replace the Royal Norwegian Navy’s current Fridtjof Nansen class.

“Kongsberg and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems already have a substantial co-operation related to submarines,” Eirik Lie, president of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, noted in a company press release. “This new agreement enables us to build on the successful partnerships between the two companies and between our two nations’ industries. It further strengthens our ability to offer advanced maritime capability to the Norwegian and German defence forces.”

Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS, added, “We have worked together with Kongsberg for many years, which reflects the strong relationship between Germany and Norway, built over years of co-operation 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 German armed forces.”