Official opening ceremony of the office of the Norwegian defense company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) takes place in Ukraine

There took place an official opening of the office of the Norwegian defense company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA). The event brought together Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine Herman Smetanin, Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, Minister of Defense of Norway Tore O. Sandvik, Chief of Defense of Norway Eirik Kristoffersen, as well as President of Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace Erik Lee and other representatives of the company's management.

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace is one of the world's leading manufacturers of defense and aerospace systems. Ukrainian state-owned and private defense companies are already implementing a number of joint projects with the company, and the opening of KDA's office in Ukraine is another step towards deepening bilateral cooperation.

During the opening ceremony, memorandums of understanding were signed between KDA and two Ukrainian companies. The documents envisage cooperation in the production of unmanned aerial and maritime systems, air defense equipment, and joint development of high-tech weapons.

These agreements are of strategic importance for the development of the Ukrainian defense industry's capabilities. Their implementation involves coordination at the intergovernmental level, support from international partners and the prompt deployment of production directly in Ukraine.

Minister Herman Smetanin thanked the Government of Norway and KDA for their consistent support of the Ukrainian defense industry.

"We highly appreciate the readiness of Norwegian businesses to work together with Ukrainian arms manufacturers. This is an example of a strategic partnership that helps not only our defense capabilities, but also strengthens European security in general. I am grateful to Norwegian Minister of Defense Tore Onshuus Sandvik and Chief of the Norwegian Defense Eirik Kristoffersen for facilitating cooperation between the defense companies of our countries. I am grateful to KDA for its readiness to cooperate with the Ukrainian defense industry and for the real steps in the implementation of our agreements," the Minister said.

Ukraine continues to consistently develop strategic partnerships in the defense industry.