TKMS, Kongsberg, Atlas Elektronik form Norwegian submarine joint venture

Norway’s Kongsberg, German thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Atlas Elektronik signed a teaming agreement on Thursday that will see the three companies form a joint venture for the construction of Norwegian submarines.

The joint venture company that will be established in Norway will be the international supplier of combat systems for thyssenkrupp Marine Systems’ submarines.

On February 3rd 2017, Germany was chosen as the preferred bidder for the construction of four air-independent submarines to replace Norway’s existing six Ula-class submarines, beating French DCNS in the competition.

Following the decision, Kongsberg, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Atlas Elektronik today entered into a comprehensive teaming agreement and are establishing a new company based in Norway.

Shares in the joint venture will be part-owned by both the Norwegian and German partners. The newly founded company will be responsible, among other things, for the development, production and maintenance of combat systems.

“This is a historic milestone for our defence business and a great recognition of our expertise in naval systems,” Geir Håøy, president and CEO of Kongsberg, said. “The agreement will lay the foundation for significant activity and job creation for the Norwegian industry.”

“Four important success factors are key to our concept in Norway: cooperation with Norwegian industry, proven technology, predictability on costs and schedule, and long term partnership,” Dr. Peter Feldhaus, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems added. “Kongsberg and Atlas Elektronik’s expertise in combat systems for submarines is internationally recognised, and we are very glad that our submarines will be delivered with world class systems on board going forward.”