KONGSBERG is uniquely positioned to deliver integrated, scalable technologies. 

Technologies that enhance security above and below the sea surface.

Over the past year, KONGSBERG CEO Geir Håøy has engaged with several SEDE members and advisors to highlight the importance of maritime infrastructure protection. 

Maritime infrastructure protection

EU Security and Defence Committee visits to learn about maritime infrastructure protection technology

On 28 May, the European Parliament’s Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE), led by Committee Chair Dr. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann of Germany, visited Norway to explore topics related to industry collaboration, the High North, and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure. As part of their official programme, the delegation toured KONGSBERG’s maritime technology facilities in Horten to learn how the group’s solutions contribute to maritime security and the safeguarding of essential infrastructure.

  • Text:Njål Frilseth

    Photo:Sara Stensby Kierulf

KONGSBERG is uniquely positioned to deliver integrated, scalable technologies that enhance security above and below the sea surface. Over the past year, KONGSBERG CEO Geir Håøy has engaged with several SEDE members and advisors to highlight the importance of maritime infrastructure protection. 

Showcasing maritime surveillance and subsea technologies

During the visit, the delegation toured Kongsberg Discovery and Kongsberg Norcontrol’s test centre and operations facility. 

They were shown simulated scenarios where KONGSBERG systems use real-time data and imagery from radars, satellites, and underwater sensors to enhance situational awareness, identify threats, and support operator training. 

At the operations centre, operators demonstrated how the system detects abnormal behaviour—such as vessels operating without AIS signals, commonly referred to as “dark” vessels—as well as other potential threats above the sea, at sea level, and below the surface.

The visit also included a tour of the production facilities for HUGIN Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), developed by Kongsberg Discovery. The delegation was introduced to several HUGIN models and received a technical briefing on their capabilities. They learned how the vehicles are used to collect high-resolution data and support a wide range of tasks, including autonomous pipeline tracking, terrain navigation, and target recognition. These capabilities support both civilian and defence applications, such as seabed mapping, infrastructure inspection, and mine countermeasure operations.

“Following the sabotage attacks in the Baltic Sea in 2022, we established a dedicated project group to explore how KONGSBERG technologies could be combined to deliver comprehensive and scalable solutions for monitoring and protecting subsea infrastructure. With over 45 years of experience in this domain, it’s rewarding to demonstrate how KONGSBERG can make a real difference,” said Martin Wien Fjell, Executive Vice President of KONGSBERG and President of Kongsberg Discovery.

Project “Protect Critical Infrastructure”

The project to protect critical infrastructure builds on KONGSBERG’s leadership in two key areas: maritime traffic monitoring systems from Kongsberg Norcontrol and underwater sensors and drones from Kongsberg Discovery. Together, these technologies form the foundation of integrated surveillance solutions—both above and below the waterline. KONGSBERG is actively engaged in dialogue with Norwegian and European authorities, the defence sector, and private industry to explore and develop possible solutions. 

“KONGSBERG is already engaged in several initiatives aimed at protecting critical maritime infrastructure, including programmes supported by the European Defence Fund. Our expertise spans sensor platforms, autonomy and Manned-Unmanned Teaming, secure communication, and advanced data analysis. Our ambition is to take a leading role in future EDF programmes. It was a great opportunity to meet with the European Parliament’s Committee on Security and Defence and both explain and demonstrate our technological capabilities to support and give them a deeper understanding of what we do,” said Eirik Lie, Executive Vice President of KONGSBERG and President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

About SEDE

The European Parliament’s Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) is responsible for overseeing EU defence initiatives, including ReArm Europe. Previously a subcommittee under the Foreign Affairs Committee, SEDE was elevated to full committee status in January 2025, reflecting the growing strategic importance of defence and security coordination at the EU level.

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