Norwegian tech company Kongsberg and Spanish shipbuilder Navantia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work on the integration of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and underwater technologies.
According to the agreement, the companies will seek to identify joint development opportunities, promote technological innovation and pursue collaborative projects that enhance submarine and underwater capabilities through advanced systems integration.
The agreement covers the integration of HUGIN unmanned underwater vehicles into conventional submarines, the development and implementation of advanced sonar technologies, and joint innovation initiatives focused on future submarine designs, modernization programs, and new production batches.
This collaboration will provide submarines with advanced capabilities in anti-submarine warfare, intelligence operations, and complex missions, strengthening both companies’ positions as leaders in underwater technology.
“KONGSBERG and Navantia have complementary capabilities and a shared understanding of what it takes to develop new solutions for underwater operations. The next phase of collaboration between the companies will focus on the integration of the HUGIN autonomous underwater vehicles and advanced underwater technologies into conventional submarine platforms,” said Camilla Kiss, Executive Vice President of KONGSBERG and President of the Discovery division.
“KONGSBERG will contribute its expertise in autonomous and sonar systems, while Navantia will lead the integration of these systems into submarines, ensuring compatibility and compliance with the operational standards of the Spanish Navy and other NATO navies."
The collaboration agreement is the latest between KONGSBERG and Navantia, following the signing of two previous MOUs regarding cooperation on the Norwegian Navy’s F-310 frigates and the integration of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) into Navantia’s designs.