German shipbuilding major Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Norwegian aerospace company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace have entered a cooperation agreement aimed at fostering further close industrial collaboration to support the defense requirements of Norway, Germany, and other allied countries.
Under the agreement, the two companies are expected to explore long-term cooperation in existing and future joint programs across all military domains. Reportedly, 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.
As per the partners, the deal primarily serves to strengthen the relationship of trust between the two companies and to further promote technological cooperation in the future.
Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, said: “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. This agreement brings together a number of areas in which our companies are already collaborating and further enhances our ability to deliver advanced defence capabilities for current and future Norwegian and German armed forces.”
Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, noted: “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 advanced maritime capability to the Norwegian and German defence forces.”
In other news, TKMS signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saab Australia to explore opportunities for collaboration on the MEKO A-200 frigate platform. Specifically, this collaboration is expected to leverage Saab’s Australian combat system (AusCMS) already in service across the Royal Australian Navy’s surface fleet.
As for Kongsberg’s most recent activities, it is worth mentioning that the company signed an agreement with Lithuanian Western Shipyard Group (WSY Group) to cooperate on implementing the Lithuanian Navy’s fleet renewal program.