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Kongsberg Discovery has announced it will commence production of its HUGIN autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) in the United States, marking a major step in expanding its North American footprint and meeting surging demand from defence and commercial sectors.
The decision to bring production stateside comes amid growing interest in advanced subsea technologies, particularly within the US Navy and other government and academic stakeholders. Production of the HUGIN systems will initially begin at Kongsberg Discovery’s existing facility in Lynnwood, Washington, with future expansion plans already under consideration.
Kongsberg Discovery is a global leader in robotics and sensor technologies that enable precision mapping, monitoring and surveying of the ocean environment. Its systems integrate hydroacoustic, optical and scientific sensors with powerful data networks and visualisation platforms.
“This is a strategic move to strengthen our US-based supply chain and improve our responsiveness to the evolving needs of our government and commercial customers,” said Martin Wien Fjell, president of Kongsberg Discovery.
“With global tensions on the rise, demand for our underwater systems – particularly from the defence sector – has increased significantly.”
The HUGIN AUVs, already in service with the US Navy and 11 other international naval forces, are employed in a range of real-world operations, including seafloor mapping, mine countermeasures, Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment, and subsea warfare.
According to Fjell, the latest generation of HUGIN platforms is designed to meet high-priority naval requirements and provide enhanced autonomous capabilities for both defence and civilian applications.
“We are proud to bring our decades of AUV experience to support the US military. This production initiative reflects our long-term commitment to the region,” Fjell said.
Kongsberg Discovery’s US division, formerly Kongsberg Underwater Technology LLC, has been supplying and integrating sonar systems for oceanographic and research missions since 1989.
These systems are deployed on more than 30 government and academic vessels, including the T-AGS 60 and T-ARC classes, and support missions from coastal zones to the deepest parts of the ocean. Beyond scientific work, the company has also provided the US government with uncrewed platform solutions.
Kongsberg currently employs around 900 staff across 15 sites in the United States and Canada, representing all areas of the company’s global operations. The company has stated its intention to further grow its presence in North America as part of a broader strategic expansion.
