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Norway’s Kongsberg Enters Ukraine, Bringing NASAMS Missiles, Sea Drones, and F-16 Weapons
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Norwegian defense firm Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace has opened an official office in Kyiv, marking a significant expansion of its operations in Ukraine.
The company, best known for co-developing the NASAMS air defense system, plans to work with Ukrainian partners on new missile production and naval drone systems.
According to Defense Express on June 23, Kongsberg is launching two primary initiatives in Ukraine.
NASAMS-compatible missiles and naval drone systems
The first focuses on developing a new, cost-effective surface-to-air missile compatible with the NASAMS system, intended for large-scale production using Ukrainian technologies. The Norwegian government is funding this missile development effort.
The second initiative involves co-developing unmanned surface vessels equipped with Kongsberg’s weapons modules. One of the modules under consideration is the Protector RS4 (also known as Protector RWS), a combat-proven remote weapon station installed on US Abrams tanks and used in anti-drone systems such as the CORTEX Typhon, which has already been supplied to Ukraine via the International Fund for Ukraine.
While Kongsberg is widely recognized for NASAMS, its portfolio extends far beyond air defense. The company also produces advanced strike capabilities, including the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and its air-launched variant, the Joint Strike Missile (JSM).
Potential for F-16-compatible strike missiles
The JSM is capable of being launched from F-16 aircraft—currently being transferred to Ukraine—and has a range of up to 350 km with a 180 kg warhead. Although originally designed to enhance the strike capabilities of the F-35, the missile has been successfully tested on F-16s since 2015.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed the office opening on June 22, stating that cooperation with Kongsberg will prioritize joint projects to expand NASAMS-based air defense capabilities.
“This is another step in strengthening the partnership between Ukraine, Norway, and Kongsberg. We are working together on projects to produce interceptors, enhance air defense, and protect maritime routes,” Umerov said.
He emphasized that air defense remains one of Ukraine’s strategic priorities, especially in light of over 3,500 missile and drone launches by Russia in June alone.
The partnership also opens new opportunities for collaboration between Ukrainian and Norwegian engineers to improve existing weapons systems and implement new technologies.
Kongsberg’s expansion into Ukraine reflects a broader trend of Western defense companies establishing local operations to accelerate joint production and support the country’s growing defense industry.
Earlier, in June 2025, French media reported that Renault was preparing to launch drone production in Ukraine near the front line, in partnership with local firms and French defense companies.
