The German naval shipbuilder Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and the Norwegian Kongsberg Group want to work together in the future beyond their existing submarine cooperation. The focus: frigates.
TKMS and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace have concluded a cooperation agreement for this purpose.
It provides for “further close industrial cooperation to support the defense needs of Norway, Germany and other allied countries”, according to a press release. The main purpose of the agreement is to strengthen the relationship of trust between the two partners and to further promote technological cooperation in the future.
The aim is to establish long-term cooperation on existing and future joint programs in all military areas. These include the Vanguard ship system, a strategic partnership to support the new frigates throughout their life cycle, attack missiles, maritime surveillance and target acquisition as well as the supply of ship systems for the frigates of both nations and other naval vessels.
The Norwegian Ministry of Defense has already selected Germany as one of four countries for discussions on a possible strategic partnership for the delivery of new frigates to replace the Royal Norwegian Navy’s current Fridtjof Nansen class.
TKMS and Kongsberg have a long history of collaboration
“We have been working with Kongsberg for many years, reflecting the strong relationship between Germany and Norway that has been built up over the years,” said Oliver Burkhard, CEO of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. “This agreement brings together a number of areas where our companies are already working together and enhances our ability to deliver advanced defense capabilities to the current and future Norwegian and German armed forces.”
Through industrial cooperation and a partnership approach, the two companies aim to create a foundation for job creation, technology transfer and investment that will benefit national and international markets.
Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, emphasized that they already work together “on a large scale” in the field of submarines. “This new agreement allows us to build on the successful partnerships between the two companies and between the industries of our two countries. It strengthens our ability to offer advanced maritime capabilities to the Norwegian and German armed forces,” said Lie.
