KONGSBERG Wins DIU Contract Modification for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

29 October 2026
Edited By: Haley McQueen

Kongsberg Gruppen ASA (KONGSBERG) has been awarded a major contract modification by the Department of War Innovation Unit (DIU) for autonomous underwater capabilities.

(Image credit: KONGSBERG)

The modification to the Prototype Other Transaction Agreement, valued at $54 million, is primarily driven by the delivery of a broad range of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), alongside associated underwater capability components.

KONGSBERG CEO Eirik Lie said the contract reflected continued trust in the company’s underwater technology and delivery capabilities.

“This contract continues our collaboration with DIU and the US Navy and reflects confidence in KONGSBERG’s autonomous underwater technology. We remain focused on delivering reliable systems for demanding operational environments. It also demonstrates the value of our dual-use portfolio in delivering defense capabilities and further strengthens our position as a technology and defense company,” said Lie.

KONGSBERG has more than 30 years of proven experience in autonomous underwater vehicles. The company continues to develop and deliver trusted large AUV systems for defense and commercial customers worldwide.

Camilla Kiss, Executive Vice President, KONGSBERG, and President of the Discovery division, said the award reflected continued demand for autonomous underwater systems across defense and commercial markets.

Autonomous underwater systems are a core part of KONGSBERG’s technology portfolio. So far in 2026, we have signed AUV contracts worth a total of NOK 1.7 billion across all markets. This progress supports our strategic ambition to grow in undersea warfare and strengthens the foundation for continued development.

Camilla Kiss, Executive Vice President, KONGSBERG, and President of the Discovery division

KONGSBERG has worked in the undersea domain for 30 years, developing defense missionized, robust systems with highly trusted autonomous capabilities. According to Kiss, the pace of technological change has never been faster.

“Advances in artificial intelligence, edge processing and autonomy are enabling platforms to undertake increasingly complex missions with greater persistence and operational effectiveness. We are at the forefront of this development,” she said.