WORLDTECHKongsberg wins $54 million US order for underwater drones
Norway's Kongsberg Gruppen ASA is set to supply autonomous underwater vehicles and related components to the Department of War Innovation Unit under a $54 million contract modification, according to a single outlet's report. The change widens an existing working relationship with the agency and the US Navy.
Scope of the contract change
The modification covers both autonomous vehicles and the underwater capability components that accompany them. It amends a Prototype Other Transaction Agreement already in place, and most of its value comes from deliveries of a wide range of autonomous underwater vehicles.
The company has not disclosed vehicle models, quantities, a delivery schedule or the specific missions the modification covers.
A busy year for the underwater business
The award follows a year in which Kongsberg signed AUV contracts worth NOK 1.7 billion ($184.6 million) across defense and commercial markets.
Kongsberg described the latest contract as support for its aim to expand in undersea warfare.
Open questions
- Which vehicle models and how many units will be delivered under the modification?
- What is the delivery timetable, and which missions will the vehicles support?