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Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has received a contract to provide a counter unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solution to the German Armed Forces.
The contract was awarded by Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) through a competitive bidding process. It is valued at up to Nkr250m ($27.21m).
Kongsberg will supply a C-UAS based on the Protector Remote Weapon Station. The solution will feature the PROTECTOR as a kinetic effector.
The highly mobile PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Station (RWS) C-UAS system supports rapid deployment and can counter the threat of drones.
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace Protech Systems executive vice-president Pål Bratlie said: “Kongsberg is very proud to win this first C-UAS competition, and we look forward to a long-term close cooperation with the German Army. With this contract, KONGSBERG combines existing and new technologies entering a new growing market niche.”
The company partnered with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) to study potential technologies to detect, track and defeat drones.
The solution brings together the PROTECTOR RWS, tracking algorithms and advanced sensors.
Kongsberg has worked with Hensoldt on the project to deliver the PROTECTOR RWS C-UAS to Germany.
The company has chosen Hensoldt’s Spexer third-generation radar to enable UAS detection and tracking. According to the firm, the solution will include a 40mm automatic grenade launcher with airburst ammunition.
The C-UAS solution also has air defence missiles and integrated weapons up to 30mm to combat the UAS threats. It is used by 22 countries worldwide, with Germany being the latest addition.
Earlier this week, Armasuisse awarded a contract to Kongsberg to supply the PROTECTOR RWS C-UAS system to the Swiss Army.