KONGSBERG and Navantia seek collaboration to develop undersea solutions

The Norwegian and Spanish companies signed the MoU at the Euronaval trade show in Pairs on 4 November. According to the agreement, the companies will seek to identify joint development opportunities, promote technological innovation and pursue collaborative projects that enhance submarine and underwater capabilities through advanced systems integration.

“KONGSBERG and Navantia have complementary capabilities and a shared understanding of what it takes to develop new solutions for underwater operations. The next phase of collaboration between the companies will focus on the integration of the HUGIN autonomous underwater vehicles and advanced underwater technologies into conventional submarine platforms,” said Camilla Kiss, Executive Vice President of KONGSBERG and President of the Discovery division.

This collaboration will provide submarines with advanced capabilities in anti-submarine warfare, intelligence operations, and complex missions, strengthening both companies’ positions as leaders in underwater technology.

“KONGSBERG will contribute its expertise in autonomous and sonar systems, while Navantia will lead the integration of these systems into submarines, ensuring compatibility and compliance with the operational standards of the Spanish Navy and other NATO navies,” she added.

The agreement covers:

• Integration of HUGIN unmanned underwater vehicles into conventional submarines.
• Development and implementation of advanced sonar technologies in conventional submarines.
• Joint innovation initiatives for future designs, modernisation programs and new production batches.

The collaboration agreement is the latest between KONGSBERG and Navantia, following the signing of two previous MOUs regarding cooperation on the Norwegian Navy’s F-310 frigates, and the integration of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) into Navantia’s designs.