PROTECTOR-based Solution Valued at 250 MNOK
Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has entered into a contract with the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment (BAAINBw) to deliver a Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) based on the PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Station (RWS). The contract, worth 250 MNOK (€24.7 million) followed an international bidding process.
Germany is the first country to acquire a C-UAS solution with the PROTECTOR as a kinetic effector. The emergence of inexpensive, small UAS, also referred to as drones, poses a relatively new threat to both military units and civilian infrastructure, such as airports, government buildings, power plants, or events such as political gatherings and sporting events. The PROTECTOR RWS C-UAS has a rapid deployment and reaction time, and is highly mobile.
Kongsberg has studied the growing threat posed by UAS and developed technology and solutions for detection, tracking and defeat of drones. There has also been a close cooperation with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) to evaluate possible technologies and solutions. The combination of the operationally-proven PROTECTOR RWS with advanced sensors, tracking algorithms and rapid engagements provides an innovative and cost-efficient solution.
For Germany’s PROTECTOR RWS C-UAS project, Kongsberg has cooperated closely with Hensoldt and is integrating the sensor house‘s SPEXER third-generation radar for UAS detection and tracking. The solution uses a 40mm automatic grenade launcher with airburst ammunition, but the PROTECTOR RWS can integrate a variety of weapon up to 30mm and air defence missiles that can be employed against UAS.
Germany is the 22nd country to select the PROTECTOR RWS, adding to the almost 20,000 systems delivered to our customers around the globe.
“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,“ says Pål E Bratlie, Executive Vice President Protech Systems, Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS.
