Kongsberg lands contract boost to expand underwater drone capabilities

Key TakeawaysThe $54 million contract modifies an existing Prototype Other Transaction AgreementAUV contracts signed across defence and commercial markets total NOK 1.7 billion in 2026AI and edge processing are enabling more complex, persistent underwater missions Kongsberg Gruppen ASA will supply autonomous underwater vehicles and associated components under a $54 million contract modification from the Department of War Innovation Unit (DIU), extending its collaboration with the agency and the US Navy. The contract modifies an existing Prototype Other Transaction Agreement, with deliveries of a broad range of autonomous underwater vehicles accounting for most of its value. The company did not identify the vehicle models, quantities, delivery schedule or specific missions covered by the modification. The agreement adds to a year in which Kongsberg has signed AUV contracts worth NOK 1.7 billion ($184.6 million USD) across defense and commercial markets. The company said the latest contract supports its ambition to expand in undersea warfare. Expanded underwater deliveries The modification covers both autonomous vehicles and associated underwater capability components. Kongsberg did not provide a breakdown of the contract’s value between those categories or detail how the components would support the vehicles. The announcement identifies the delivery of underwater capabilities as the main driver of the modification. Its reference to a broad range of AUVs leaves the precise mix of platforms undisclosed. “This contract continues our collaboration with DIU and the US Navy and reflects confidence in KONGSBERG’s autonomous underwater technology. We remain focused on delivering reliable systems for demanding operational environments,” said CEO Eirik Lie. “It also demonstrates the value of our dual-use portfolio in delivering defense capabilities and further strengthens our position as a technology and defense company,” he added. Lie’s comments place the contract within the company’s existing relationship with its defense customers. He also highlighted the role of a portfolio serving both military and commercial requirements in supporting defense capability deliveries. Defense and commercial demand Kongsberg has more than 30 years of experience in autonomous underwater vehicles. It develops and delivers large AUV systems for defense and commercial customers worldwide, alongside its work on systems adapted for defense missions. Camilla Kiss, executive vice president of Kongsberg and president of its Discovery division, said the latest contract reflected continuing demand across both markets. “Autonomous underwater systems are a core part of KONGSBERG’s technology portfolio. So far in 2026, we have signed AUV contracts worth a total of NOK 1.7 billion across all markets. This progress supports our strategic ambition to grow in undersea warfare and strengthens the foundation for continued development,” she said. The NOK 1.7 billion figure covers contracts across all markets. It represents the broader AUV business described by Kiss, rather than the value of the DIU modification alone. AI and onboard processing Kiss also pointed to artificial intelligence, edge processing and autonomy as technologies changing what underwater platforms can undertake. Her comments described the direction of development across the company’s underwater portfolio; the announcement did not specify which technologies or configurations would be included in the latest deliveries. “Advances in artificial intelligence, edge processing and autonomy are enabling platforms to undertake increasingly complex missions with greater persistence and operational effectiveness. We are at the forefront of this development,” Kiss said. Kongsberg linked these advances to its continued development of autonomous underwater capabilities for defense and commercial customers.Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Atharva is a full-time content writer with a post-graduate degree in media & amp; entertainment and a graduate degree in electronics & telecommunications. He has written in the sports and technology domains respectively. In his leisure time, Atharva loves learning about digital marketing and watching soccer matches. His main goal behind joining Interesting Engineering is to learn more about how the recent technological advancements are helping human beings on both societal and individual levels in their daily lives.