In a significant development for European naval cooperation, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems have signed a new agreement to deepen their collaboration, following the Norwegian Ministry of Defence’s 2024 decision to include Germany as one of four nations under consideration for a strategic partnership to deliver new frigates for the Royal Norwegian Navy.
The new frigates are intended to replace the Royal Norwegian Navy’s existing Fridtjof Nansen-class vessels, with the potential program marking a major milestone in strengthening European maritime defence capabilities.
“KONGSBERG and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems already have a substantial cooperation related to submarines. This new agreement enables us to build on the successful partnerships between the two companies and between our two nations’ industries,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
“It further strengthens our ability to offer advanced maritime capability to the Norwegian and German defence forces.”
The agreement aims to lay the groundwork for long-term strategic cooperation across a wide range of existing and future programs. Key areas of focus may include:
• The Vanguard vessel system
• A strategic partnership for through-life support for the new frigates
• Strike missile systems
• Maritime surveillance and targeting technologies
• Integrated ship systems for Norwegian and German naval platforms
The partnership is also expected to drive industrial growth through technology transfer, job creation, and investment benefitting both national and international markets.
“We have worked together with KONGSBERG for many years, which reflects the strong relationship between Germany and Norway, built over years of cooperation as close allies and friends,” stated Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
“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.”
The announcement comes at a time of increasing focus on NATO-wide maritime modernization and enhanced European security integration. This reinforced collaboration between two of Europe’s leading defence firms marks a significant step in delivering cutting-edge naval solutions aligned with the evolving needs of allied defence forces.
