Norwegian company Kongsberg and Germany-based thyssenkrupp Marine Systems have established a new joint venture (JV) firm known as kta Naval Systems

The newly formed company is set to develop, manufacture and maintain combat systems as an exclusive supplier for thyssenkrupp submarines.

kta Naval Systems will be operated through Kongsberg’s headquarters in Norway and a branch office in Bremen, Germany.

Kongsberg will hold 50% of the new company, while the remaining half is to be owned by thyssenkrupp and its subsidiary Atlas Elektronik.

Kongsberg noted that the combat systems will allow the submarine crew to fully see their surroundings, recognise objects and evaluate situations in detail.

Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems CEO Dr Rolf Wirtz said: “This is the starting point for a broader co-operation between European states in the procurement of submarines.

“With the new JV and following our acquisition of Atlas Elektronik, we are now in the unique position to offer the full range of services for conventional submarines, including design, development, manufacture and now also the centrepiece: the combat systems.”

Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace president Eirik Lie added:

“Together, we will deliver the next-generation of combat systems and put a smart defence in Europe into action.”

The German and Norwegian governments also signed a government-to-government agreement for the joint development, procurement, operation and maintenance of submarines and marine ordnance in June.

Additionally, the collaboration between the two nations is expected to help reduce maintenance and training, in addition to logistical efforts.

The new submarines are set to be based on the 212A-class vessels and have been specifically designed to meet the requirements of each nation’s naval forces.

Source: Pan European Networks