Technology that protects

In recent years, we have witnessed growing geopolitical instability and conflict.  Trust and predictability between nations are diminishing — a reality that is also felt in Norway.

For over 200 years, KONGSBERG has delivered solutions to safeguard Norway and its people. We develop technology that protects both people and the planet. Our technology helps defend Norway and NATO allies, monitors Norway's critical underwater infrastructure, reduces carbon emissions at sea, and maps climate change.

Our technology plays a vital role in enhancing safety and security across three key areas:

1. The collective defence alliance NATO
2. Security and sovereignty
3. Green transition

Although Norway is a small country located at the northern edge of Europe, it does not stand alone. NATO serves as a guarantor of Norway's security, freedom, and independence. It is a defence alliance for countries in Europe and North America, with Norway as a founding member since 1949. This alliance has been a cornerstone of Western and Norwegian security policy since World War II. The fundamental principle of NATO is that an attack on one member state is considered an attack on all.

However, NATO's guarantees also come with clear responsibilities.

Trade and cooperation between NATO member countries strengthen the alliance's collective defence capabilities. For smaller member states like Norway, exports are a fundamental prerequisite for maintaining a sustainable defence industry. Air defence systems, missiles, and remote weapon stations from KONGSBERG are currently in use by several NATO member nations.

Here, you can learn more about how air defence protects and saves lives.

Defence and security have also been elevated as key priorities within the European Union (EU). In 2024, the EU appointed its first Defence Commissioner, with the aim of building a stronger and more competitive defence industry.

But what about the defence of Norway?

The Norwegian Parliament has established that the defence of Norway rests on three pillars. One of these is its membership in NATO. The second is support and reinforcements from close allies, particularly the United States. The third pillar is Norway’s own national defence.

Norway's defence is made up of both military defence and civilian preparedness. Together, these are often referred to as "total defence." The backbone of the total defence concept is the close cooperation between the armed forces, research institutions, and industry.

"In Norway, multiple stakeholders work together to prevent, prepare for, and manage crises, conflicts, or war. KONGSBERG contributes with technology that provides insight into the threat landscape on land, at sea, in the air, and in the digital domain," says Håøy.

One of the threats that has increased following the war in Ukraine – and which KONGSBERG monitors – is aimed at so-called critical infrastructure.

In Ukraine, dams, power plants and grids, ports, grain storage facilities, and other critical societal functions have been deliberately targeted to disrupt the economy and civil society. Similarly, in Western Europe, several gas pipelines and cables have been subjected to sabotage.

Several factors make Norway and its maritime areas particularly vulnerable. Norway has 8,800 km of gas pipelines, 93 oil installations, and an extensive network of cables and communication infrastructure in the North Sea. Additionally, several offshore energy facilities and related infrastructure are currently in the planning stages.

"Following the Nord Stream sabotage in 2022, additional protective measures were implemented at facilities linked to the offshore industry. However, our understanding is that this is still not enough. In November 2024, two separate fibre-optic cables in the Baltic Sea were severed, with sabotage also suspected in these incidents. The protection of critical offshore infrastructure must be significantly strengthened beyond current levels to address the threats we face — and there is an urgent need to act," says Håøy.

Learn more about how KONGSBERG works to protect critical infrastructure here
The protection of critical offshore infrastructure must be significantly enhanced beyond current levels to address the threats we face. KONGSBERG's technology can play a vital role in achieving this.

Today, KONGSBERG does far more than supply defence systems and equipment. Kongsberg Maritime, a world-leading provider of maritime technology, is the largest of KONGSBERG's four business areas in terms of both employees and revenue.

"We have established a world-leading position in certain technologies, enabling KONGSBERG to offer solutions that are in demand across a wide range of sectors – from the depths of the ocean to outer space, and everything in between."

The common thread in the use of this technology is driving the green transition and sustainable growth.

"Our solutions help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in shipping, ensure the sustainable management of fish stocks, and monitor illegal deforestation. We also have unique expertise in offshore installations and are leading the green transition with pioneering projects in offshore wind and autonomous shipping," says Håøy.

Yara Birkeland is an example of a project where KONGSBERG has delivered key solutions. As the world's first electric, autonomous cargo ship, it uses 70% less energy per container compared to land-based transport. Additionally, it eliminates the need for 40,000 truck journeys annually.

"We often say that KONGSBERG delivers leading technological solutions to two of the world's most pressing challenges – security and sustainability. To succeed in this mission, we will need many skilled people in the years ahead," concludes Håøy.

KONGSBERG works closely with nations, industries, academia, and local communities.