Norwegian firm Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace will produce missiles for its NASAMS air defense system in Ukraine.
The firm is in talks with Ukrainian companies to establish a joint venture for the purpose, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace President Eirik Lie said in a recent interview.
“The first priority is to increase missile production for our air defense system in Ukraine, based on Ukrainian technology,” Euractiv quoted Lie as saying.
“We are talking about the mass production of missiles, meaning hundreds. We are looking at establishing joint ventures within months.”
To Tap Ukraine’s Potential
Additionally, the initiative will allow the firm to tap into Ukraine’s growing defense sector, which has seen innovations in the field of 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 told Euractiv.
In the long run, Kongsberg wants to integrate Ukraine into the global supply chain of 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 defence systems,” he added.
Integration of Ukrainian Systems into NASAMS
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced the possibility of integrating Ukrainian air defense systems with NASAMS earlier this year.
His remarks followed meetings between Kongsberg and Ukrainian government officials.
“The parties analyzed the possibilities of integrating domestic air defense assets into the NASAMS system, which will increase its effectiveness,” Ukrainian outlet Militarnyi quoted a Ukrainian Defense Ministry statement.
NASAMS is a medium-range air defense system capable of intercepting cruise missiles, drones, and aircraft. Ukraine has received the systems from Norway, the US, and Canada.
It employs a range of missiles as effectors, including the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile.
