Sweden’s Saab and Norway’s Kongsberg posted record sales growth in 2024, driven by increased European defense spending amid heightened security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Saab’s orders rose 24% to 96.8 billion kronor ($8.9 billion), fueled by Gripen fighter jet deals and air defense contracts. Kongsberg reported a 44% jump to 54.4 billion kroner ($4.85 billion), boosted by a major U.S. Navy missile order. With European defense budgets projected to reach a record €326 billion in 2024, both companies anticipate continued expansion. Saab and Kongsberg are focusing on securing NATO contracts and expanding global production capabilities to meet growing […]
Category: Norway
Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile USAF contract expanded to $208 million
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KOG.OL) has secured a nearly $70 million contract modification from the US State Department for Joint Strike Missile (JSM) production Lot One. Designed for the internal weapon bays of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the JSM is an advanced cruise missile variant of the Naval Strike Missile. The modification finalizes components of the $141 million initial contract with the USAF, including all-up rounds with containers and test hardware, with completion expected by September 30, 2027. The project involves collaboration with Raytheon (RTX) and production in Kongsberg, Norway. To meet growing demand in the US, Kongsberg is […]
Norway And France Enhance Defense Cooperation
Norwegian and French defense ministers agreed to enhance defense cooperation, with a focus on maritime surveillance, during a meeting on January 16. The collaboration was formalized through a letter of intent signed by French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram to address hybrid threats and improve situational awareness in the high north. Norway plans to invite the US, UK, France, and Germany to discuss partnerships for acquiring new frigates to replace its aging fleet. The US Navy is collaborating with Fincantieri Marinette Marine on the Constellation-class frigate, based on the French and Italian FREMM frigate […]
Norwegian F-35s Scrambled In Poland During Russian Missile Strikes On Ukraine
Norway scrambled two F-35A stealth fighters from Poland in response to Russian missile strikes targeting Ukraine. Lt. Col. Eivind Byre of the Royal Norwegian Air Force stated the jets were deployed to protect Polish airspace as part of NATO’s collective defense. The scramble coincided with a large-scale Russian attack involving over 40 missiles and 70 drones aimed at Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Norwegian F-35s and a NASAMS air defense system are stationed in Poland to safeguard critical logistics hubs. This mission, part of NATO operations, is expected to conclude in April. Original news
Germany flexes submarine muscle with additional 4 boat order
Germany has tripled its order of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) 212CD submarines, increasing the total to six as part of a joint procurement initiative with Norway. This expansion follows the German parliament’s approval of €21 billion in new defense spending, covering investments in frigates, Puma IFVs, Patriot missiles, and Elbit Systems’ PULS rocket artillery. TKMS confirmed the expanded order as one of its largest, with production on schedule and deliveries beginning for Norway in 2029 and for Germany in 2032. To support the increased demand, TKMS has invested over €250 million to boost production capacity at its Kiel facility. Featuring […]
Norway Strengthens Air Defense with Expanded NASAMS Acquisition
Norway has signed a contract with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency to acquire new multi-missile canister launchers and Fire Distribution Centers for the NASAMS air defense system, replacing equipment donated to Ukraine and building additional capacity. The agreement exercises an option announced in June when Norway committed to investing in new NASAMS systems. Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram emphasized the rapid pace of modernization, stating, “In less than a year, we have secured deliveries equivalent to four complete NASAMS batteries.” Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace President Eirik Lie called the system vital for safeguarding Norway’s security, highlighting its ability to […]
Romania receives three more F-16 deliveries and recommits to European training
Romania has received three more F-16 jets, bringing its fleet to fifteen, with plans to complete an order of 32 second-hand jets from Norway by 2025. These aircraft will join the 48th Fighter Squadron, enhancing Romania’s national and NATO air defense capabilities. The country reaffirmed its commitment to the European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC) through a Letter of Intent, collaborating with the Netherlands and supported by Lockheed Martin. Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr highlighted the training program’s importance for Romanian and Ukrainian pilots, emphasizing its role in strengthening national and allied airspace security. This acquisition and training initiative underscore Romania’s […]
Lockheed Martin will collaborate with Norwegian companies on advanced technologies
Lockheed Martin has partnered with five Norwegian companies to develop advanced aviation and defense technologies, emphasizing innovation and local economic growth. The projects include AI-driven repair solutions for air vehicles (Empact), pilot hydration sensors (ModeSensors), efficiency-enhancing collaboration platforms (Jotne), specialized propellers for UAVs (Alva Industries), and ice protection solutions for rotorcraft and UAVs (UBIQ Aerospace). These partnerships aim to improve flight readiness and mission capabilities for military and commercial customers while leveraging Norway’s technological expertise. With contracts valued at $8 million over 24 months, the collaboration strengthens Lockheed Martin’s global supply chain and supports economic development in Norway. This initiative […]
Nordic countries discuss joint procurement of CV90 Mk IV IFVs
Nordic Defence Cooperation members, including Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, are exploring a joint procurement of CV90 Mk IV infantry fighting vehicles. According to BAE Systems Hägglunds Managing Director Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, the discussions are in early stages but could result in the purchase of several hundred vehicles. Lithuania may also participate in the procurement effort, broadening regional collaboration. This initiative underscores a collective push to enhance military capabilities across the Nordic and Baltic regions. The potential joint purchase highlights the importance of regional defense partnerships in modernizing ground forces. Original news
Norway, UK and USA test F-35 data-sharing during live-fire bombing drills
On December 3, Norway, the UK, and the USA conducted the APEX Buccaneer exercise in Norway, featuring live-fire air-to-ground training with Lockheed Martin F-35s. The exercise focused on the “find, fix, track, and target” (F2T2) sequence, with F-35 pilots from all three nations exchanging tactical information in real time to create a unified air picture. This capability highlights the F-35’s role as a force multiplier, a key justification for its development according to the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin. General James Hecker emphasized the importance of fifth-generation platforms like the F-35 for maintaining air superiority. Brigadier General Tron Strand of Norway […]
Norway to send F-35 fighter jets, air defence systems to Poland
Norway’s defense ministry announced plans to deploy F-35 fighter jets and NASAMS air defense systems to Poland’s Rzeszow airport, a key logistics hub for military aid to Ukraine. Starting in early December, Norway will also send around 100 soldiers to safeguard the airspace above the airport. Defence Minister Bjoern Arild Gram emphasized Poland’s critical role in supporting Ukraine, ensuring aid reaches its destination. This deployment underscores Norway’s commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict. The initiative highlights international collaboration to maintain the flow of military support to Ukraine. Original news
Norway puts France, Germany, UK and US in the frame for future frigate partnership
Norway has shortlisted France, Germany, the UK, and the US for a strategic partnership to support future frigate acquisitions, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence announced Wednesday. The partnership will encompass the joint acquisition, operation, and maintenance of the new frigates, with a partner selection expected by 2025. This initiative reflects Norway’s broader defense strategy, emphasizing joint procurement efforts, such as its submarine collaboration with Germany. Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram highlighted the importance of the investment, stating it will bolster both national and NATO maritime security. The move underscores Norway’s commitment to enhancing its naval capabilities in alignment with allied […]
Norway buys US-made air defence missiles for over $360 mln
Norway has agreed to purchase AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air defense missiles from the U.S. in a deal exceeding 4 billion NOK (€337m), marking one of its largest military acquisitions. According to Norway’s Defence Minister, this acquisition will enhance Norway’s air defense capabilities, offering better protection against potential threats. The missiles will support ground-based air defense systems but are also compatible with Norway’s fleet of 34 F35A fighter jets. This purchase is part of a broader Nordic trend of bolstering defenses following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. As neighboring countries like Finland and Sweden increase defense spending and advance NATO integration, Norway […]
4 Nordic nations in talks for joint procurement of infantry fighting vehicles
The Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden are considering a joint procurement of a next-generation Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) to replace their current fleets, aiming for acquisition between 2030 and 2040. Discussions among the nations, which already use BAE Systems’ CV90, are focused on reducing procurement costs, easing development and maintenance, and enhancing supply chain efficiencies. Maj. Gen. Lars Lervik of Norway and Maj. Gen. Jonny Lindfors of Sweden highlighted the benefits of a shared platform to ensure interoperability and support regional defense. While the CV90 is a strong contender, other manufacturers are being considered for the new […]
In ‘war of industrial capacity,’ West shouldn’t go 1-to-1 on ammo with Russia: Nammo CEO
A leading European ammunition manufacturer, Nammo, suggests that competing with Russian artillery production by quantity is futile, emphasizing the importance of quality through advanced technology such as precision and longer-range capabilities. Nammo CEO Morten Brandtzaeg highlighted that Europe and the US produce 1.2 million shells annually, far below Russia’s three million, but stressed Europe’s focus on increasing production capacity with government support. Countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Germany have taken significant steps in bolstering local industry through subsidies. The European Union’s Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), pledging €500 million, aims to help Europe meet a production target […]