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Norwegian firm Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has signed a memorandum of understanding with a local Ukrainian partner to jointly develop and produce air defence missiles aimed at countering aerial threats such as drones.
The agreement was formalised during a visit to the Ukrainian capital by Kongsberg president Eirik Lie who was joined at the signing ceremony by Norway’s Minister of Defence, Tore O Sandvik, and Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
“There is an urgent need to produce more cost-effective air defence missiles at scale, to counter threats from hostile drones,” Lie said. “Together with our Ukrainian partner, and with the backing of Norwegian authorities, we are committed to developing an effective missile that can be mass-produced and integrated with the NASAMS air defence system.”
Minister Sandvik emphasised the importance of enhancing Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against aerial attacks. “The NASAMS systems save Ukrainian lives and protect critical infrastructure every day. The Norwegian government is now funding the development of more affordable missiles that can operate with NASAMS systems in Ukraine,” he said.
The signing coincided with the official opening of Kongsberg’s new office in Kyiv, underlining the company's long-term commitment to Ukraine’s defence sector.
In a separate development, Kongsberg also inked an MOU with another domestic Ukrainian industrial partner to collaborate on the development of armed unmanned surface vessels (drone boats).
“Unmanned vessels have been instrumental in helping Ukraine defend its waters and neutralise the Russian Navy in the Black Sea,” Lie said. “With support from our partners, we’re ready to deliver the next generation of unmanned maritime capabilities.”
The Norwegian government is also providing funding for the development of these unmanned naval systems, further strengthening the country’s role as a key defence partner to Ukraine.
