The Norwegian Ministry of Defence in 2024 selected Germany as one of four countries for discussions about a potential strategic partnership for deliveries of new frigates to replace the Royal Norwegian Navy’s current Fridtjof Nansen-class.
“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. It further strengthens our ability to offer the advanced maritime capability to the Norwegian and German defense forces,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
Through industrial cooperation and a partnership approach, the two companies can provide a foundation for job creation, technology transfer, and investment to benefit 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,” said 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 defense capabilities for current and future Norwegian and German armed forces.”
Under the terms of this specific agreement, the two companies will seek to explore long-term cooperation in existing and future joint programs across all military domains. These may include the Vanguard vessel system, a strategic partnership for through-life support for the new frigates, strike missiles, maritime surveillance and targeting, and ship system deliveries to both nations’ frigates and additional naval ships.
