Ukraine’s Access to Rusty Dagger Missiles Could Accelerate After Kongsberg Buys Zone 5

Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) has agreed to acquire a 90% stake in US missile manufacturer Zone 5 Technologies, a move that could speed up Ukraine’s access to the company’s Rusty Dagger cruise missile under the Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) program, according to a report by Defense Express on December 17.

Kongsberg announced the deal on December 16, stating that it had signed an agreement to purchase the California-based firm, which will continue to operate as an independent subsidiary following regulatory approval and the fulfillment of customary closing conditions.

Defense Express linked the acquisition to Ukraine’s prospective procurement of the Rusty Dagger, described as one of Zone 5’s key products and a component of the ERAM program. The US-backed initiative aims to provide partner nations with affordable, long-range strike munitions.

In August 2025, the US State Department approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Ukraine of up to 3,350 ERAM missiles and associated equipment, valued at approximately $825 million, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

While full performance details remain classified, ERAM program requirements reportedly call for a range of about 400 kilometers and a 227-kilogram munition, with an estimated unit cost of roughly $250,000.

Earlier, it was reported that Kongsberg established a local presence in Ukraine and highlighted cooperation focused on NASAMS air defense and other systems, including strike capabilities discussed in connection with F-16 integration.

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