Kongsberg and Thales form defence communications joint venture (updated)
27/06/2025 09:19
Adds detail from statement and quote in paragraphs 2-4 COPENHAGEN, June 27 (Reuters) - Norway's Kongsberg Gruppen KOG.OL and France's Thales TCFP.PA said on Friday they would establish a joint venture in Norway combining their defence communications businesses. The tie-up comes in response to European defence forces' calls for interoperability, sovereignty and large-scale equipment as NATO countries and others face growing connectivity needs, Kongsberg said in a statement. "By consolidating Kongsberg's secure communications and Thales' crypto expertise, we will create a comprehensive, robust communications offering and be better positioned to deliver and develop current and future technologies and services to the armed forces," said Erik Lie, who heads Kongsberg's defence and aerospace unit. The new company will be owned 50% each by the two defence groups and will employ around 350 people across Norway. (Reporting by Stine Jacobsen, editing by Terje Solsvik) ((stine.jacobsen@thomsonreuters.com; +45 2156 90 10;))