Kongsberg

Kongsberg Competitive Intelligence & Landscape

kongsberg.com ·

Overview

Kongsberg Overview

Kongsberg (kongsberg.com) is an international technology group focused on protecting people and critical infrastructure from the deep sea to space [kongsberg.com]. Established on March 20, 1814, the company has a long history, initially contributing to Norwegian industry and maritime history before becoming a global technology supplier [https://www.kongsberg.com/news/stories/2019/3/our-history/]. Kongsberg’s mission is to safeguard and enhance stakeholder value through profitable, growth-oriented industrial development with a long-term, sustainable, and international perspective [https://www.kongsberg.com/investor-relations/].

Kongsberg develops and delivers advanced defence, aerospace, seabed, and surveillance technology [https://www.kongsberg.com/what-we-do/]. Their core products and services serve the defence, security, and surveillance markets by combining military and civilian expertise to drive rapid innovation for defence, research, and commercial applications [https://www.kongsberg.com/about-us/]. Examples of their offerings include strike missiles and full-spectrum air defence systems [https://www.kongsberg.com/about-us/].

The company’s target market includes customers operating in complex and demanding environments worldwide [https://www.kongsberg.com/what-we-do/].

Kongsberg aims to excel in all areas pertinent to its customers through a network of domestic and international subsidiaries, joint arrangements, joint ventures, and associated companies [https://www.kongsberg.com/about-us/management-and-organisation/group-companies/]. The company’s headquarters are located at Kirkegårdsveien 45, NO-3616 Kongsberg, Norway, and they have offices in numerous locations around the world [https://www.kongsberg.com/about-us/contact/].

Kongsberg (Kongsberg Gruppen ASA) is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, with the Norwegian state owning 50.004 percent of the shares [https://www.kongsberg.com/investor-relations/shares/]. The company's management consists of ten members dedicated to developing its leading position and technology platform [https://www.kongsberg.com/about-us/management-and-organisation/]. While a precise number for company size isn't provided, its global presence and extensive history suggest a significant workforce.

Kongsberg

Kongsberg Weekly Intel Updates

Receive weekly intel updates about Kongsberg straight to your inbox.

Competitors

Kongsberg Competitors

While Kongsberg (kongsberg.com) operates across several industries, making a single direct competitor challenging to identify, Saab stands out as a significant Nordic defense peer.

Saab is a close competitor to Kongsberg in areas such as missiles, air defense, sensors, and combat systems, sharing similar market positioning in the defense sector, particularly in the Nordic region.

Rheinmetall is another major European defense company that competes with Kongsberg. Their offerings overlap in critical areas like weapon systems, air defense, and military vehicle subsystems.

Rheinmetall's broad defense portfolio positions it as a direct competitor, especially in the European defense market.

In the maritime and oil and gas sectors, Wärtsilä and Aker Solutions are key competitors to Kongsberg Maritime. While Kongsberg (kongsberg.com) is a Norway-based developer and supplier of dynamic positioning, navigation, and automation products for these industries, Wärtsilä and Aker Solutions offer similar solutions, vying for market share in offshore energy and marine systems.

Other notable competitors to Kongsberg across its various segments include L3Harris Technologies, Lockheed Martin, Textron, and Northrop Grumman. These companies, particularly in the defense and aerospace domains, compete with Kongsberg by offering advanced technologies and solutions for defence, security, and surveillance markets globally. Their extensive product ranges and established market presence make them significant rivals for Kongsberg in securing contracts and market share.

Product & Pricing

Kongsberg Product and Pricing Intelligence

Kongsberg (kongsberg.com) offers various products that often require software licenses for full functionality or special features, particularly within its Ocean Space division [kongsberg.com/support-and-services/ocean-space/services/software-licenses/]. These licenses are necessary for products in categories like fish-finding, ocean science, and seafloor mapping [kongsberg.com/support-and-services/ocean-space/services/software-licenses/]. The company does not publicly list pricing plans or tiers for these licenses. Instead, customers are directed to fill out a license request form for specific products or to contact dealers or Simrad support for advice [kongsberg.com/support-and-services/ocean-space/services/software-licenses/].

Kongsberg provides a comprehensive product catalog, including the K-Chief Automation System for marine usage, the Seafloor Information System (SIS 5), and various K-Line products [kongsberg.com/contentassets/8718109b78554cd0820b221c499a3442/k-chief-data-sheet.pdf, kongsberg.com/what-we-do/ocean-space/seafloor-mapping/sis5/]. Other offerings include K-Master Bridge Solutions for maritime decarbonization and digitalization, and software like K-Fleet Docking for optimizing vessel docking activities [kongsberg.com/maritime/products2/solutions/k-master-bridge-solutions/, kongsberg.com/maritime/products/digital/K-Fleet/k-fleet-docking/]. Pricing for these advanced systems and software solutions is not transparently displayed, indicating a direct sales or quote-based model common for specialized industrial and defense technologies.

The company also features products like the K-Bridge MULTI functional operator station, which combines ARPA, ECDIS, and Conning station capabilities, and K-Nav products tailored for the SOLAS market [kongsberg.com/maritime/products/bridge-systems-and-control-centres/operator-environment/multi-functional-operator-station/, kongsberg.com/contentassets/6dcade06a2d8481392d05430bb66e67f/k-nav-family---408843b.pdf]. While product specifications and functionalities are detailed, specific pricing information, tiers, or recent changes are not made public. This approach suggests a focus on tailored solutions and enterprise-level engagements rather than standardized, publicly listed pricing.

Hiring & Layoffs

Kongsberg Hiring and Layoffs

Kongsberg actively recruits for a wide array of roles across its global operations, emphasizing its continuous innovation in defense, security, ocean space, and critical infrastructure technologies. The company frequently posts vacancies internationally, with dedicated career pages for regions like the U.S. and Australia, showcasing a commitment to expanding its workforce in key strategic locations [https://www.kongsberg.com/about-us/usa/uscareers/]. These efforts signal a robust growth strategy, particularly in areas critical for national security and advanced technological development.

Recent job postings highlight Kongsberg's focus on highly specialized engineering and technical expertise. Openings include an R&D Engineer – Electronics & Embedded to develop hydroacoustic sensors for ocean-space technologies, and a Real-time Embedded Software Engineer for industrial field protocols within Kongsberg Maritime [https://www.kongsberg.com/careers/vacancies/rd-engineer--electronics--embedded/]. Additionally, the company is seeking System Engineers for ocean technologies and to contribute to Norway’s space future, working on innovative satellite programs [https://www.kongsberg.com/careers/vacancies/system-engineer/]. These roles underscore Kongsberg's investment in cutting-edge research and development across its diverse business segments.

Further reinforcing its strategic direction, Kongsberg is hiring Software Engineers for Dynamic Positioning Systems and a Software Architect to contribute to marine robotics, specifically autonomous underwater vehicles and uncrewed surface vessels [https://www.kongsberg.com/careers/vacancies/software-engineer---dynamic-positioning-software-/]. The company also seeks a Technical Advisor – Vessel Automation to support its automation products globally [https://www.kongsberg.com/careers/vacancies/technical-advisor---vessel-automation/]. These positions indicate a strong emphasis on automation, marine technology, and advanced software solutions, aligning with its mission to protect people and critical infrastructure from deep sea to space. There is no information available to suggest any recent layoffs; instead, the consistent volume of specialized job openings points to a period of strategic expansion and talent acquisition.

Leadership

Kongsberg Management and Leadership Team

The Executive Leadership Team of Kongsberg is composed of ten members, bringing diverse backgrounds and experiences to drive the company's leading position and technology platform [kongsberg.com/about-us/management-and-organisation/]. This team is dedicated to developing the company's strong stance in its respective markets [kongsberg.com/about-us/].

Key executives include Geir Håøy as President & CEO, Mette Toft Bjørgen as Group EVP & CFO, Even Aas as Group EVP Public Affairs & Communication, and Iver Christian Olerud as Group EVP Corporate Development. Other essential members are Christian Karde as Group EVP General Counsel & Chief of Staff, Lisa Edvardsen Haugan as EVP Kongsberg & President Kongsberg Maritime, Eirik Lie as EVP Kongsberg & President Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, and Martin Wien Fjell as EVP Kongsberg & President Kongsberg Discovery [kongsberg.com/globalassets/kongsberg/4.-investor-relations/6.-general-meetings/documents-gm/2026/eng-2026/3item-9---executive-management-remuneration-report-2025_.pdf].

Eivind Reiten serves as the Chair of the Board for Kongsberg [kongsberg.com/about-us/management-and-organisation/board-of-directors/]. The Board of Directors includes additional members such as Merete Hverven, Morten Henriksen, and Marianne Wiinholt [kongsberg.com/about-us/management-and-organisation/board-of-directors/]. The Board is structured to include members elected by the Annual General Meeting, with a provision for employee representation, where three members and their alternate directors are elected by the employees [kongsberg.com/globalassets/kongsberg/4.-investor-relations/4.-reports-and-presentations/annual-report/annual-report-2025/corporate-governance-2025.pdf].

Within Kongsberg Maritime, the leadership team features Lisa Edvardsen Haugan as Chief Executive Officer, alongside Bjørn Jalving as Chief Technology Officer and Alexandra Koefoed as Executive Vice President Digital & Emerging.

Mette Toft Bjørgen also serves as Chief Financial Officer for Kongsberg Maritime, and Per Håvard Siljan Hjukse is the Executive Vice President Propulsion & Handling. Additional leaders include Johnny Aarseth as Executive Vice President Energy & Control [kongsberg.com/contentassets/ab72b10b4bc44de8b865ded8e48cdc1d/kongsberg-maritime-company-presentation-february-6---2026.pdf].

Financials

Kongsberg Financial Performance, Fundraising, M&A

In Q4 2025, Kongsberg reported revenues of NOK 9,593 million, a 35 percent increase from Q4 2024, with an EBIT of MNOK 1,642 and an EBIT margin of 17.1 percent for the quarter. The company's total revenues for the full year 2025 reached NOK 31,562 million. For Q1 2026, Kongsberg continued its strong performance with revenues of NOK 9.2 billion, marking a 26% increase, and an EBIT of NOK 1.5 billion with an EBIT margin of 16.6%.

Kongsberg (Kongsberg Gruppen ASA) is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, with the Norwegian state owning 50.004 percent of the shares [https://www.kongsberg.com/investor-relations/]. The company maintains a long-term issuer credit rating of A- with a "stable outlook" from Nordic Credit Rating [https://www.kongsberg.com/globalassets/kongsberg/4.-investor-relations/document-downloads/investor-relations/debt-finance/signert---base-prospectus-with-final-terms-template---kongsberg-gruppen-asa---datert-14.12.2023.pdf].

The Board of Directors proposed a total dividend of NOK 5.01 billion for the 2025 financial year, which corresponds to NOK 5.70 per share. This includes an extraordinary dividend of NOK 3.50 per share, exceeding the company's ordinary dividend policy [https://www.kongsberg.com/globalassets/kongsberg/4.-investor-relations/4.-reports-and-presentations/quarterly-reports/2025/q4/kog-quarterly-report-q425.pdf]. In Q1 2025, Kongsberg experienced strong revenue growth, with an increase of 28 percent compared to Q1 2024, and its order backlog rose to a record NOK 134 billion [https://www.kongsberg.com/news/news-archive/2025/Q1-2025/].

Kongsberg concluded 2025 with a record-high order backlog and all business areas reporting double-digit growth for both the quarter and the full year, indicating solid profitability [https://www.kongsberg.com/news/news-archive/2026/q4-2025/]. The company aims to safeguard and enhance stakeholder value through profitable, growth-oriented industrial development with a long-term, sustainable, and international perspective [https://www.kongsberg.com/investor-relations/].

Partnerships

Kongsberg Partnerships, Clients and Vendors

Kongsberg actively fosters strategic partnerships and client relationships across its diverse technological sectors. For example, in defense, Kongsberg has partnered with MESKO S.A. to integrate PIORUN MANPADS and PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Stations for international markets, prioritizing innovative options for NATO and allied nations [https://www.kongsberg.com/news/news-archive/2026/kongsberg-and-mesko-announce-strategic-partnership/]. Another key collaboration in defense is with BAE Systems and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, aimed at strengthening industrial cooperation to meet defense requirements for Norway, the UK, Germany, and other allied countries [https://www.kongsberg.com/news/news-archive/2025/kongsberg-and-bae-systems-enter-cooperation-agreement/][https://www.kongsberg.com/news/news-archive/2025/kongsberg-and-thyssenkrupp-marine-systems-enter-cooperation-agreement-to-strengthen-their-partnership/]. Additionally, Kongsberg and DRASS have announced a strategic partnership to address the growing demand for advanced underwater intelligence systems, focusing on sensing and robotics for defense needs [https://www.kongsberg.com/news/news-archive/2026/kongsberg-and-drass-announce-strategic-partnership2/].

In the maritime and ocean space, Kongsberg and OSI Maritime Systems signed an MoU to establish cooperation in navigation solutions, supporting the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project [https://www.kongsberg.com/news/news-archive/2026/kongsberg-and-osi-maritime-systems-sign-mou-to-strengthen-cooperation-and-build-canadian-sovereign-capabilities/].

Kongsberg Discovery has also consolidated its decades-long technology partnership with Fugro through a new framework agreement [https://www.kongsberg.com/news/news-archive/2026/kongsberg-discovery-and-fugro-consolidate-partnership-with-main-supplier-agreement/]. Furthermore, Kongsberg Discovery and MacArtney Underwater Technology formed a strategic MoU to enhance turnkey ROTV surveying and inspection capabilities [https://www.kongsberg.com/news/news-archive/2025/kongsberg-discovery-and-macartney-partner-for-turnkey-rotv-surveying-and-inspection-capability/].

For critical infrastructure protection, Kongsberg Discovery is joining forces with Aker Solutions to deploy drone detection systems, beginning with a showcase in Stavanger for broader rollout in the North Sea [https://www.kongsberg.com/news/news-archive/2025/joining-forces-with-aker-solutions-in-protecting-critical-infrastructure/]. In the space sector, Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) and Kongsberg NanoAvionics have partnered to streamline smallsat mission deployment and reduce operational burdens for satellite owners [https://www.kongsberg.com/news/news-archive/2026/ksat-and-kongsberg-nanoavionics-announce-strategic-partnership-to-strengthen-smallsat-mission-operations/].

Kongsberg Maritime's "Vessel Insight" ecosystem highlights its collaborative approach to technology integration, offering customers access to a broad range of Kongsberg Maritime and third-party applications designed to cut costs, increase efficiency, and support sustainability [https://www.kongsberg.com/maritime/products2/solutions/vessel-insight-ecosystem/vessel-insight-ecosystem-partners/]. This robust ecosystem demonstrates Kongsberg's commitment to leveraging external partnerships to provide comprehensive solutions to its clientele.

Events

Kongsberg Event Participations

Kongsberg actively participates in and hosts numerous events, showcasing its technological advancements and engaging with industry stakeholders. The company is a key presence at major international exhibitions such as ILA Berlin and Oceanology International 2026, where it unveils breakthrough technologies and conducts live demonstrations. In 2026, Kongsberg also attended the Combined Naval Event in Farnborough, UK, bringing together various naval industry leaders.

Beyond large-scale exhibitions, Kongsberg engages with specialized forums like Hydrographentag in Germany, where it connects with the German hydrographic community, and the DALO Industry Days in Denmark, focusing on defense and security. The company also attends the INFO/ERFA Conference in Norway, a significant meeting point for the defense sector and industry.

Kongsberg also organizes and co-hosts significant events. The company hosts its annual Capital Markets Day in Kongsberg, Norway, or digitally, providing updates on strategy, financial outlook, and key market developments to investors and analysts. Furthermore, Kongsberg is a partner and active contributor to Kongsberg Agenda, a technology festival in Norway that shapes national technology and value creation debates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What signals does Kongsberg's recent hiring activity send regarding its strategic focus?

Kongsberg's current hiring patterns indicate a strong emphasis on advancing its technological capabilities in specialized engineering, particularly in ocean space, marine robotics, and satellite programs. Vacancies for R&D Engineers, Real-time Embedded Software Engineers, and System Engineers across its global operations suggest a strategic investment in cutting-edge research and development, particularly for autonomous and uncrewed vessels, and satellite technology. This points to a robust growth strategy in areas critical for national security and advanced technological development, without any indication of recent layoffs.

What is the implication of Kongsberg's significant participation in both large international exhibitions and specialized forums?

Kongsberg's dual engagement strategy, attending major international exhibitions like ILA Berlin and Oceanology International 2026, alongside specialized forums such as Hydrographentag and DALO Industry Days, suggests a comprehensive approach to market engagement. This allows the company to showcase broad technological advancements at large-scale events while also fostering deep connections within niche communities, ensuring visibility and relevance across its diverse defense, security, and ocean space sectors.

How does Kongsberg's ownership structure and credit rating influence its market stability?

Kongsberg's market stability is significantly bolstered by the Norwegian state's 50.004 percent ownership, providing a strong governmental backing. This, combined with a long-term issuer credit rating of A- with a 'stable outlook' from Nordic Credit Rating, signals robust financial health and a low-risk profile to investors and partners, supporting its long-term, sustainable, and international growth strategy.

What do Kongsberg's partnerships with companies like BAE Systems and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems imply about its defense strategy?

Kongsberg's partnerships with major defense entities like BAE Systems and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems suggest a strategic focus on strengthening industrial cooperation and meeting specific defense requirements for NATO and allied nations. These collaborations, along with a partnership with MESKO S.A. for integrating PIORUN MANPADS and PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Stations, indicate an aim to leverage alliances for product integration, market reach, and enhanced offerings in the international defense sector.

Given Kongsberg's record-high order backlog and double-digit growth across all business areas in 2025, what financial outlook can be inferred?

Kongsberg's record-high order backlog of NOK 134 billion and double-digit growth across all business areas in 2025, with revenues of NOK 31,562 million and an EBIT margin of 17.1 percent in Q4 2025, indicate a strong financial outlook and solid profitability. This performance suggests continued robust revenue growth and an ability to safeguard and enhance stakeholder value, surpassing its ordinary dividend policy with an extraordinary dividend of NOK 3.50 per share for 2025.

What does Kongsberg's approach to software licensing and product catalog suggest about its business model?

Kongsberg's reliance on software licenses for full functionality in its Ocean Space division, combined with a lack of public pricing for advanced systems like K-Chief Automation and K-Master Bridge Solutions, indicates a direct sales or quote-based business model. This approach is common for specialized industrial and defense technologies, suggesting tailored solutions and enterprise-level engagements rather than standardized, publicly listed pricing, and a focus on highly specific client needs.

How do Kongsberg's leadership appointments reflect its strategic priorities?

Kongsberg's leadership team, including key executives for Maritime, Defence & Aerospace, and Discovery segments, reflects its strategic priorities in these core technological areas. The presence of a Group EVP Corporate Development and a Group EVP Public Affairs & Communication suggests an emphasis on strategic growth, external relations, and maintaining its leading technology platform across diverse markets, from deep sea to space.

How does Kongsberg's 'Vessel Insight' ecosystem align with its broader strategic objectives?

Kongsberg Maritime's 'Vessel Insight' ecosystem, offering access to its own and third-party applications, demonstrates a strategic commitment to collaborative technology integration. This initiative aligns with Kongsberg's broader objective of providing comprehensive solutions that enhance efficiency, cut costs, and support sustainability for its customers, fostering strong client relationships and extending its reach through external partnerships in the maritime industry.

What is the significance of Kongsberg's strategic partnership with DRASS for advanced underwater intelligence systems?

Kongsberg's strategic partnership with DRASS for advanced underwater intelligence systems signifies a focused effort to address the growing demand for sensing and robotics in defense. This collaboration highlights Kongsberg's commitment to expanding its capabilities in deep-sea technologies and critical infrastructure protection, leveraging partnerships to enhance its offerings in autonomous underwater vehicles and uncrewed surface vessels.

What does Kongsberg's partnership with Aker Solutions for drone detection systems suggest about its market focus?

Kongsberg Discovery's partnership with Aker Solutions to deploy drone detection systems, starting in Stavanger for North Sea rollout, indicates a strong market focus on critical infrastructure protection. This collaboration leverages their combined expertise to address emerging security threats, signaling a strategic expansion into securing vital assets, particularly in the energy sector.

How does Kongsberg differentiate itself from competitors like Saab and Rheinmetall in the defense sector?

While Kongsberg competes with Saab and Rheinmetall in defense, its focus extends from 'deep sea to space,' offering a broader technological scope including seabed and surveillance technology. Kongsberg differentiates itself by combining military and civilian expertise for rapid innovation, emphasizing strike missiles, full-spectrum air defense systems, and partnerships for integrated solutions like the PIORUN MANPADS and PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Stations, rather than solely military vehicles or broader armament portfolios.

Powered by ForesightIQ · Competitive intelligence from digital exhaust