Why a systems approach is the smart choice for naval integration

In today’s rapidly evolving naval landscape, the ability to integrate, adapt and respond swiftly is more critical than ever. As navies face mounting pressure to modernise fleets, reduce life-cycle costs and enhance operational capability, the traditional model of procuring individual components from multiple vendors is showing its limitations.

Jarle Solvang, Kongsberg Maritime’s Head of Naval Systems, believes the answer lies in a systems-based approach – one that draws on the company’s extensive commercial experience and global footprint to deliver integrated, future-ready naval solutions.

“A systems approach means more than just assembling components,” Jarle explains. “It’s about delivering a cohesive, interoperable solution where each element is designed to work seamlessly with the others.”

From fragmentation to functionality

Naval procurement has often followed a fragmented model, selecting propulsion, automation, sensors and training systems from different suppliers. While this may appear cost-effective upfront, it often leads to integration challenges, reduced functionality and higher life-cycle costs.

“When you buy a system from us, you’re not just buying parts, you’re buying compatibility, efficiency and long-term value,” says Jarle. “Our simulators and trainers, for example, are designed to work natively with our onboard systems, but they can also work with other third-party equipment.” 

With equipment installed on more than 30,000 vessels—around a third of the global fleet—Kongsberg Maritime has deep expertise in delivering integrated maritime systems at scale.

Commercial innovation meets naval demands

“In the commercial sector, we’ve seen how a systems approach improves performance, reduces downtime and enables smarter operations,” Jarle notes. “We’re now bringing that same philosophy to the naval domain.”

This commercial heritage allows Kongsberg Maritime to offer cutting-edge technology at a lower cost and faster pace than traditional defence contractors.

Boosting operational capability through connectivity

One of the most compelling benefits of a systems approach is its impact on operational capability. By integrating propulsion, automation, sensors and control systems into a unified architecture, navies can unlock new levels of performance and situational awareness.

“Take the Vanguard concept, developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace,” says Jarle. “It connects the mother ship with unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and sensors, all feeding into a central system. If you also consider the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), you can open up a lot of possibilities to optimise operations in real time, and we are already incorporating AI into our systems.”

This connectivity enables smarter decision-making, reduced crew workloads and even semi-autonomous operations.

“Navies are facing a shortage of personnel,” Jarle adds. “If we can reduce manning requirements through automation and remote control, we’re not just improving efficiency, we’re keeping more people out of harm’s way.”

Predictive maintenance and global support

A systems approach also transforms how navies manage maintenance and support. With integrated systems, data flows freely between components, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing unplanned downtime.

“In some ways it’s like the automotive industry,” Jarle explains. “Modern cars tell you when something’s about to go wrong. That’s where we’re heading with ships. Instead of waiting for a failure, we can intervene early—and sometimes even remotely.”

This shift from reactive to proactive maintenance extends equipment life and reduces costly emergency repairs. When physical intervention is needed, Kongsberg Maritime’s global service network is ready.

“With thousands of service engineers worldwide, we can support naval customers wherever they operate,” Jarle says. “That’s a huge advantage, especially for smaller navies without large in-house engineering teams.”

Built for resilience and security

Naval vessels must remain operational under extreme conditions, including combat. Kongsberg Maritime’s systems are designed with redundancy and resilience in mind, drawing on experience from demanding commercial applications such as offshore energy and dynamic positioning.

“A cruise ship losing propulsion or steering is a serious matter,” Jarle says. “We’re used to building in high levels of redundancy and we apply the same principles to naval vessels.”

Cybersecurity is another critical area. Kongsberg Maritime’s commercial systems already meet stringent security standards, with additional layers added for military applications.

“Being part of the KONGSBERG Group, we understand the importance of secure systems and have the internal expertise to deliver them,” Jarle adds.

Tailored to mission needs

So what exactly does a naval system include? The answer depends on the customer’s needs, but the scope is broad.

“At a minimum, it might be a propulsion system with automation,” Jarle explains. “At the other end, it could be a full system-of-systems solution—propulsion, automation, sensors, training, remote operations and more.”

This modularity allows Kongsberg Maritime to tailor solutions to each navy’s requirements, whether building new ships or upgrading existing platforms.

A smarter way forward

“We’re not just selling equipment,” Jarle concludes. “We’re helping navies become more capable, more connected and more resilient. That’s the power of a systems approach.”