Kongsberg Defence Systems (KONGSBERG) and Finmeccanica - AgustaWestland signed a protocol for extending and increasing cooperation relating to Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of dynamic components (including various gear boxes) for the NH90 helicopter and a range of AgustaWestland helicopters.

The protocol is an overarching agreement outlining the intentions of making KONGSBERG a Centre of Excellence for MRO of dynamic components in Northern Europe. Key elements of the agreement are related to the transfer of technology that includes the establishment of advanced test equipment that will enable the full functional testing of gear boxes at KONGSBERG in Norway.

Finmeccanica - AgustaWestland and KONGSBERG have maintained a solid business relationship for more than 25 years. The extended co-operation confirmed by the signing of today’s Protocol represents for KONGSBERG potential revenues of €20-25 million per year for the next 25 years.

This agreement with KONGSBERG will enable Finmeccanica - AgustaWestland to satisfy its Industrial Participation requirements in Norway and the other Nordic countries for NH90, and will be a major part of its support solution for the AW101 Norwegian All-Weather SAR Helicopter (NAWSARH) contract. In December last year, Finmeccanica - AgustaWestland signed an Agreement with the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security for the supply of 16 (plus options for 6 more) AW101 search and rescue helicopters.

“We are excited that we can grow our helicopter MRO business together with AgustaWestland as a valued partner and we will establish gear box testing capabilities in KONGSBERG”, said Harald Ånnestad, Kongsberg Defence Systems President.