Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) has signed an agreement with an undisclosed Ukrainian industrial player for the development of unmanned surface vessels (USV), or drone boats, equipped with weapon stations from KDA.
The government of Norway has previously allocated approximately NOK 6.7 billion in 2025 to support the Maritime Capability Coalition, co-led with the United Kingdom.
“Parts of this funding will be used to develop and produce uncrewed maritime vessels using KDA technology, with production based in Ukraine”, said Norwegian Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.
“Unmanned vessels play a major role in helping Ukraine to defend its territory, and neutralise the Russian navy in the Black Sea, and with support from our partners, we are ready to deliver the next generation unmanned maritime capabilities,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
KDA has signed the agreement with a “Ukrainian partner” to jointly develop and manufacture USV in Ukraine, using Norwegian technology and expertise. The same day (June 22nd 2025), KDA signed an agreement with another Ukrainian company to develop and deliver low-cost, high-volume air defence missiles that can be integrated with the NASAMS air defence system.
USV play a critical role in helping Ukraine defend its territory and neutralize the Russian navy in the Black Sea.
