Kongsberg Gruppen ASA (KONGSBERG) in a ceremony in Oslo last week unveiled a new naval ship design called Vanguard. The concept combines long experience in both the maritime and naval sectors to design a platform that meets modern threats and demands for safety, security, economy and environment.

The Vanguard couples KONGSBERG’s knowledge, technology and systems together with the competence coming from the Norwegian Maritime and Offshore Industry. The Vanguard fulfils the needs of coastal nations for both military and civilian operations, such as Search & Rescue, Harbor and Assets Protection, Subsea Survey, Exercising Authority and Sovereignty, Anti-Access/Area-Denial, Anti-Submarine Warfare and Mine Clearance, and Detection and Disposal.

 Vanguard, by design, is highly adaptable and capable of fulfilling a multitude of roles. It is designed with a multi-role hangar for air, surface and sub-surface assets. Easily interchangeable mission modules and extensive use of unmanned vehicles enables quick change of operational roles. The Vanguard is also based on an open architecture to integrate and take advantage of new technology as it becomes available.

 In order to offer extremely capable yet affordable military vessels, Vanguard is based on civilian and commercial ship design, combined with flexible military mission packs. This approach represents significant cost savings as compared to traditional military bespoke solutions.

 “The Vanguard by KONGSBERG represents a game changer in naval operations. Combining our experience from the maritime, offshore and naval sectors, this innovative concept provides an adaptable and affordable solution to meet the operational needs of coastal nations”, said Eirik Lie, President Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS.

 KONGSBERG is an international, knowledge-based group that supplies high-tech systems and solutions to customers in the merchant navy and oil & gas, defence and aerospace industries. KONGSBERG has almost 11,000 employees in 40 countries.