Satellites are taking on a new role in defence capability.

Evolving from support functions, they are becoming central to operations – enabling surveillance, communication, and situational awareness.

This shift demands innovation, interoperability, and strong partnerships.

Space for defence

The next layer of protection

Space has already proven essential in defence operations through ability to ensure robust communication, precise navigation, and continuous surveillance. All critical to maintaining national security in an increasingly unpredictable world. Space for Defence represents a new dimension in defence capability – where technology in orbit provides both decision support and operational control on the ground.

  • Text:Amanda Chapman-Stavn / KONGSBERG

    Photo:KONGSBERG

Image of Karl Kristian Liavåg

Recent conflicts confirm that space-based decision support is crucial. As threats evolve, its importance will only increase.

Space becomes the link that connects the defence systems of the future.

Karl Liavåg, Manager Business Development, Naval Surface Vessels at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

The number of satellites in Low Earth Orbit is rising at an extraordinary pace. Just three years ago, around 4,000 active satellites circled the planet. Today, that figure has tripled. By 2030, analysts estimate that up to 60,000 active satellites could be operating around Earth. A transformation is unfolding in space, and it is moving fast.

Space for Defence is the integration of satellite-based systems as part of a nation’s overall defence architecture, and space has widely been recognised as an operational domain in its own right – on par with land, sea, air, and cyber.

Space-based capability provides access to data and decision support regardless of geography or ground infrastructure, enabling coordinated efforts in complex and dynamic operational environments beyond line of sight.

“We need resilient capabilities that can deliver reliable, real-time information, regardless of where we operate. Satellites are a central part of that structure,” says Liavåg.

Space for Defence enables several core functions that strengthen defence capability across domains:

A complete value chain

KONGSBERG holds a unique position in the space segment, offering a fully integrated nationally controlled value chain to support production, operation and utilisation of data from small satellites. This spans satellite development and production secure integration and testing, secure and rapid launch access from the locally situated Andøya spaceport, as well as ground segment satellite control and operational data download, processing and delivery. This expertise, combined with security-approved facilities and national infrastructure, enable KONGSBERG to deliver solutions that meet the full spectrum of space-based defence needs. 

Image of Christina Aas

We don’t simply procure satellites. We build them and set the direction for what the next-generation satellite should focus on.

What uniquely positions us in the market is our ability to jointly develop defence systems, command and control systems, and space systems, and to integrate the capabilities seamlessly across the defence and space value chains. This enables us to offer truly interoperable platforms and standards, as well as end-to-end national system solutions.

Christina Aas, Director Technology SmallSat Systems at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. 

Recent developments in space technology have fundamentally changed the conditions for defence in space. Launch costs have dropped dramatically – in some cases by over 80 percent – while small satellite platforms have become significantly more capable.

This has made it possible for industry and nations to develop and operate flexible, cost-effective, high-performance systems. This can be done nationally, or in partnership with allies. 

One of the examples is Norway’s Arctic Ocean Surveillance Program (ASP), established by the Norwegian Space Agency, the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), and The Norwegian Coastal Administration to strengthen national capabilities in satellite-based maritime surveillance in the Arctic region. KONGSBERG plays a key role in the program as an industrial partner developing the technology, system solutions, and operational support for critical surveillance needs.

The role of space in the readiness chain

Satellites used in peacetime for environmental monitoring or vessel tracking can support emergency response in times of crisis and provide vital operational support during conflict. It is precisely this dual-use character that makes space a key component of total defence.  Systems for communication, navigation, and surveillance play an important role in day-to-day operations, but become critical when the situation escalates.

Space assets are not static. Their role and requirements evolve with the situation and KONGSBERG develops solutions built for the entire spectrum, with resilience and constant readiness in mind.

Space ensures situational awareness for planning and threat assessment

In peacetime, satellites serve as a key source of situational awareness for planning and threat assessment. They can enable the detection of changes in the environment before anything actually happens. A capability that is critical for both security and preparedness. This applies not only to military contexts, but also to natural disasters such as landslides and floods.

Satellites’ fixed and repeating orbits make it possible to monitor developments over time and build precise algorithms for change detection. This provides a solid foundation for early warning and informed decision-making.

When it comes to covering vast geographical areas, satellites outperform aircraft, drones, and ground-based sensors. Beyond surveillance, they also serve as critical infrastructure for navigation and communication systems worldwide.

“We’re fortunate in Norway to have a well-developed 5G and fibre network. But in many parts of the world, satellite communication is absolutely essential,” says Aas.

The N3X satellite constellation

In June 2025, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace deployed its N3X satellite constellation. A tangible example of how we are integrating Space for Defence in peacetime. Developed for continuous maritime monitoring, N3X is equipped with AIS receivers and passive radar detectors developed in collaboration with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) and Kongsberg Discovery.

The constellation provides high-frequency, low-latency surveillance data of the areas of interest for Norwegian authorities and helps to detect and identify vessels involved in environmental crime, illegal fishing, smuggling as well as supports search and rescue operations. The constellation’s surplus capacity is offered to international users.

Space ensures global reach

When a crisis unfolds, the parameters shift. Situational awareness must be re-established quickly, often without the support of a stable infrastructure. This is where space-based capabilities prove their operational value.

Satellites offer persistent, independent coverage of vast geographical areas. They are unaffected by ground conditions and operate continuously, detecting changes in the environment as they occur. This global reach is especially important in crises that unfold beyond national borders but still carry direct consequences for domestic security.

“Satellites extend the sensor range beyond the horizon, adding a new layer of surveillance and data flow. They sharpen situational awareness. And they strengthen the effect of every decision made under pressure,” says Morten Svandal, Senior Project Engineer at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

The autonomous technology used in long-range precision systems, such as the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM), shares key characteristics with satellite-based services. Both rely on real-time data, processed and interpreted by onboard sensors, and both operate with a high degree of independence. This alignment strengthens the integration of space-based capabilities into operational decision-making.

Missile early warning: A critical layer in Full Spectrum Air Defence

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace’s ongoing work on missile early warning is a strong example of how space supports crisis preparedness. In the pre-conflict phase, when tensions are high and the risk of a sudden strike is real, early detection becomes a strategic necessity. Satellites equipped with infrared sensors can identify the launch of ballistic or hypersonic missiles within seconds, providing critical time to verify the threat, assess intent, and prepare an appropriate response – helping to avoid escalation while maintaining readiness.

Missile early warning is not a standalone capability. It forms part of an integrated defence architecture within Full Spectrum Air Defence – a layered, integrated air defence system currently under development – where components share critical information in milliseconds, the system recommends actions, and operators respond within seconds. By combining space-based sensors with air surveillance radars, command and control systems and ground-based interceptors, nations can build layered, resilient protection against advanced threats.

The advantage lies in foresight. When threats are detected early, decision-makers gain the room to manoeuvre – politically, operationally, and strategically – before the situation escalates.

Space-based systems ensure real-time communication, targeting, and threat warning

In armed conflict, forces must remain connected and informed. Even when ground networks fail. Space-based systems ensure real-time communication, targeting, and threat warning. Latency must be low, data streams stable, and system resilience high. The ability to disrupt, deny or disable space-based infrastructure will be a key element of future military strategy.

Satellites give ground, air and naval forces a shared operational picture. Coordination becomes faster and decisions more assured. Space is becoming part of warfare. In maritime operations especially, the integration of satellite-based systems has changed the rules. They enhance situational awareness, giving commanders the control and decision time needed to respond effectively – and avoid escalation. 

Identifying hostile assets in complex environments is one of the key advantages of space-based surveillance. Satellites equipped with the right sensors can detect weapon stations, radar installations and other emissions hidden in rough or remote terrain, including areas deep inside enemy territory and beyond the range of traditional airborne or ground-based reconnaissance. They provide the situational awareness needed when other tools fall short. 

“Knowledge is power, but knowledge also provides assurance. If you know what your opponent is doing, because you have access to consistent, high-quality information, you are already in control. And control has a de-escalating effect,” says Liavåg.

Vanguard: A system of systems

“One example of how space-based systems can be operationalised in maritime warfare is Vanguard. Vanguard showcases how KONGSBERG leverages its expertise in system integration to deliver flexible, scalable, and technologically advanced defence solutions,” says Liavåg.

Norway is responsible for a vast maritime domain. All the way from Svalbard to the southern North Sea. Covering this operational area is essential in maritime warfare.

With large, capable sensor payloads, satellites can detect movements and disturbances that would previously have gone unnoticed, above or below the surface.

By integrating satellites with unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater vehicles, Vanguard extends surveillance far beyond the immediate area of operations. Space assets form the outer layer, enabling continuous presence without physical deployment. When satellite data shows activity, unmanned platforms are deployed to investigate, reducing risk to personnel. “These assets are scalable. They can be dispatched early, expanded as needed, and held back when unnecessary,” says Liavåg.

Manned forces are the final layer. With the right systems in place, they can arrive later, better informed, and with a clearer sense of purpose.

Space enabling future defence

Where physical presence and ground-based infrastructure were once essential, space-based capabilities deliver persistent surveillance, global coverage, and enhanced situational awareness. KONGSBERG is integrating the space segment as a natural part of defence architecture. Not as an add-on service, but as an embedded component within systems spanning all operational domains.

“For KONGSBERG, and for our nation, Space for Defence is about understanding, integrating, and realising the opportunities that space provides,” says Aas.

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