New weapons factory in Poland. Kongsberg reveals plans for 2027
The Norwegian defence company Kongsberg Group (Kongsberg) plans to open a new facility in Poland. The company’s president, Eirik Lie, told the Polish Press Agency (PAP) that the factory in Pomerania will produce weapons for export as well. He also stressed that Norway has much to learn from Poland in terms of the speed of action and flexibility of its defence industry.
The Kongsberg Group is involved, among other things, in the production of weapons and defence equipment.
Fot. Kongsberg Gruppen, materiały prasowe/zdjęcie poglądowe
Kongsberg has operated in Poland since 2008. The cooperation began with deliveries of NSM anti-ship missiles to the Polish Navy, but even then the Norwegian group assumed it would develop relations with the local industry. The plans included the transfer of technology and specialist knowledge. The new investment in Pomerania is intended to be the next stage of this cooperation.
New factory in Pomerania. Production also for export
The new facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2027. According to the announcements, it will produce counter-drone systems, unmanned maritime vehicles and turrets for combat vehicles. Production will not be limited to Polish orders. Lie confirmed that the group intends to supply its products to other markets as well. He stressed that the company’s presence in Poland is not linked to a single project.
Kongsberg’s president pointed to changes taking place in Poland’s defence industry. In an interview with PAP, he assessed that in recent years its capacity to respond quickly and adapt production to new needs has increased significantly. This is one of the reasons for the planned investment. According to Lie, the Norwegian defence industry can benefit from Polish experience in operational flexibility. Cooperation with local companies is also expected to include the transfer of technology and know-how.
Kongsberg’s president pointed to changes taking place in Poland’s defence industry. In an interview with PAP, he assessed that in recent years its capacity to respond quickly and adapt production to new needs has increased significantly. This is one of the reasons for the planned investment. According to Lie, the Norwegian defence industry can benefit from Polish experience in operational flexibility. Cooperation with local companies is also expected to include the transfer of technology and know-how.
Pictured: the NASAMS system, developed jointly by the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and the American company RTX Corporation.Photo: Henriette Harkestad Alvheim, Forsvaret
Drone warfare changes requirements. Kongsberg develops new solutions
The war in Ukraine has changed the approach to designing defence systems. Lie noted that modern weaponry must allow for the rapid replacement of sensors and countermeasure systems, as technological solutions require continuous adaptation. He cited the SAN counter-drone system as an example. Poland purchased it for EUR 1.6 billion, and its open architecture allows it to be expanded and supplemented with new components. As a result, the system can be adapted to changing threats.
Another challenge is the cost of countering drones. Kongsberg’s president stressed that with the mass use of unmanned vehicles, defence based solely on the most advanced systems is not a sustainable solution. The group is therefore working on a cheaper missile. According to Lie, its production could reach tens of thousands of units annually, while the price of a single missile would be comparable to the cost of the drone being destroyed. The company is also monitoring the development of the EU’s SAFE initiative, which is intended to increase production and reduce costs through joint procurement of defence systems.
Another challenge is the cost of countering drones. Kongsberg’s president stressed that with the mass use of unmanned vehicles, defence based solely on the most advanced systems is not a sustainable solution. The group is therefore working on a cheaper missile. According to Lie, its production could reach tens of thousands of units annually, while the price of a single missile would be comparable to the cost of the drone being destroyed. The company is also monitoring the development of the EU’s SAFE initiative, which is intended to increase production and reduce costs through joint procurement of defence systems.
Lie also stressed that the development of the European defence industry does not have to mean limiting cooperation with the United States. As an example, he pointed to the NASAMS system, which uses American surface-to-air missiles, and FREYJA, in which Kongsberg is responsible for the command system and the integration of existing solutions. The Norwegian state remains the majority owner of the group, whose portfolio also includes NSM anti-ship missiles and JSM long-range missiles.
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