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Norwegian defence company Kongsberg has been engaged to supply software and hardware upgrades for Norway’s Ula Class submarines.
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has signed an agreement with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency for the upgrades to six vessels currently in service with the Royal Norwegian Navy.
The software, hardware and combat system upgrades are expected to extend the operational life of the submarines.
“Kongsberg is pleased to be part of the update program ensuring the Ula Class’ operational capability until the next generation of submarines arrives,” Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace president Eirik Lie said.
The contract is reportedly worth around 436 million Norwegian kroner (AU$60 million) for the work on the Ula Class submarines. The latest upgrades are expected to contribute to keeping the Ula Class operational until the new 212CD submarines are introduced in the 2030s.
Kongsberg is also supplying the combat system for the new 212CD submarines, which are being delivered to Norway and Germany.
Earlier this month, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace confirmed plans to build a missile production facility in the United States to meet global demand.
The 17 September announcement of a new site in Virginia, near US Navy facilities, closely follows expansion in Norway and the recently announced missile factory in Australia.
It’s understood the facility will provide production capacity, sustainment and in-country tech refresh capabilities for Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) and Joint Strike Missiles (JSM).
“The new missile production facilities in the US, Australia and Norway address the strong and long-term demand for our unique technology and the critical need to strengthen collective defence capabilities,” chief executive Geir Haoy said.
“Kongsberg has a proud history in the US and we are delighted to continue to invest in the country to support American interests while creating jobs locally.”
