Norway contracts Kongsberg for Ula-class submarine weapon system upgrade

Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA Naval Systems) has contracted Kongsberg Defence Systems to upgrade parts of the main weapon system of the Norwegian ULA-class submarines.

Kongsberg is to carry out the work over the next four years under a contract that has a value of 220 million Norwegian Krone (approx. $27.45 million).

The company has earlier supplied a new combat system to the Ula-class and has conducted several upgrade programs over the last years which will now also include electronics required to handle the submarines torpedoes.

In 2011, Saab was contracted for work on the submarines’ steering control consoles and was expected to complete work by 2016.

“Kongsberg is pleased to be part of the update program ensuring the Ula-class operational capability until the new generation submarines arrive,” Eirik Lie, Kongsberg Defence Systems president, said.

This upgrade program will contribute to keep the Ula-class operational until the new-generation submarines are introduced. The Norwegian Navy currently operates a fleet of six Ula-class submarines which were assembled in Germany and entered service between 1989 and 1990.

Testifying a significant capability upgrade on the submarines, HnoMS Uredd recently became the first Norwegian submarine to fire the IDAS (Interactive Defence and Attack System for Submarines) missile from a submerged position.