Kongsberg completes acquisition of underwater acoustics specialist Sonatech
Kongsberg has completed the acquisition of Sonatech, a leading underwater acoustics specialist. The company said the acquisition supports Kongsberg's growth ambitions in undersea technology.
Britain to equip Royal Navy Type 31 frigates with Mk 41 launchers and Norwegian Naval Strike Missiles
The United Kingdom will fit all five Type 31 frigates with Mk 41 vertical launch systems and Kongsberg Naval Strike Missiles. The programme aims to strengthen the Royal Navy's surface combatant firepower. Contract details and delivery schedules were not provided.
US radar maker Echodyne considers European production as counter-drone demand surges
Seattle-based Echodyne is evaluating European manufacturing for its MESA and EchoGuard radars to meet rising demand for counter-drone systems, the company told Defense News at MSPO 2026. The firm already integrated its MESA radar into Kongsberg's PROTECTOR remote weapon stations. European governments are racing to field C-UAS capabilities after watching Ukraine, and Echodyne sees domestic production as the way to capture that market before competitors scale.
Why it matters: Moving production to Europe would let Echodyne bypass ITAR friction and undercut Robin Radar, Hensoldt, and Saab in their home market—scaling risk meets regulatory arbitrage.
Kongsberg integrates Echodyne MESA radar into PROTECTOR remote weapon stations for counter-drone use
Norwegian defence company Kongsberg has integrated Echodyne's MESA radar into its PROTECTOR RS4 and RS6 remote weapon stations, the companies announced September 9. The integration turns the widely used gun mounts into counter-drone systems capable of detecting and engaging small uncrewed aircraft.
Why it matters: Kongsberg is adding radar to its best-selling turret rather than designing a new counter-drone platform — faster to field, and the installed base is enormous.
Ericsson, Kongsberg, Nokia, Patria and Saab launch Nordic Compass defense track
Five Nordic defense and technology firms—Ericsson, Kongsberg, Nokia, Patria and Saab—have established a new Defence Track under the Nordic Compass industry alliance. The consortium will present its first joint project proposals in November 2026, pooling capabilities across communications, systems integration and platforms.
Why it matters: Nordic industrial consolidation is starting to look serious; if this group can move from white papers to shared programs faster than Europe's usual pace, it could set a new benchmark for cross-border defense cooperation.