Norwegian defense contractor Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace is set to ramp up missile production for its NASAMS air defense system directly in Ukraine. The company’s president, Eirik Lie, revealed in a recent interview that discussions are underway with Ukrainian firms to form a joint venture aimed at facilitating this initiative.
Lie emphasized the urgency and significance of increasing missile production tailored to the needs of Ukraine, emphasizing that this effort will leverage Ukrainian technology. “The first priority is to increase missile production for our air defense system in Ukraine, based on Ukrainian technology,” Lie stated, indicating plans for mass production that could reach into the hundreds. He also mentioned that the establishment of joint ventures could be realized within a matter of months.
This move is not only strategic for Kongsberg but also seeks to capitalize on the advancements within Ukraine’s burgeoning defense sector, particularly in innovative domains such as drones and electronic countermeasures. “A lot of innovation is taking place right now in Ukraine; we will be part of that. It is important for us to be there,” Lie noted, highlighting the company’s commitment to engaging with the ongoing developments in the region.
Kongsberg’s long-term vision goes beyond immediate production needs; it aims to integrate Ukraine within the global supply chain for missiles and air defense systems. “Security is very important. At Kongsberg, we want to utilize the strength of Ukraine’s industry. In the long term, when the war is over, Ukraine can be part of the supply chain providing missiles for air defense systems,” said Lie, outlining a future where Ukraine contributes significantly to defense manufacturing.
In a related development, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced potential integration plans for domestic air defense systems with NASAMS. This statement followed productive discussions between Kongsberg representatives and Ukrainian government officials. According to a statement from the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, the two parties explored how to combine Ukraine’s air defense assets with the NASAMS framework to bolster operational effectiveness.
The NASAMS, a medium-range air defense system, is designed to intercept various aerial threats, including cruise missiles, drones, and manned aircraft. This defense system has been supplied to Ukraine by Norway, the United States, and Canada, and employs a versatile range of missiles, such as the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, to enhance its operational capacity.
