Geir Håøy, CEO of KONGSBERG, said that the acquisition of Zone 5 represents a significant strategic step for the company, highlighting Zone 5’s leadership in developing affordable missiles that can be produced at scale.
Recent conflicts, he noted, have underscored the importance of high-volume defense capabilities in modern warfare, both to counter mass drone attacks and to strike a broad range of adversary targets to create effective deterrence. Demand for such capabilities is growing rapidly.
KONGSBERG brings a world-leading portfolio of advanced air defense and long-range strike missile technologies. Zone 5’s products complement this portfolio well, enabling the combined company to offer more comprehensive and flexible systems. By pairing KONGSBERG’s high-performance solutions with Zone 5’s high-volume, cost-effective assets, the company aims to help nations manage increasingly complex defense scenarios.
Zone 5 has secured notable successes in competitive U.S. defense programs, including the U.S. Air Force’s Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM), the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles (FAMM), and Defense Innovation Unit initiatives focused on low-cost systems to defeat larger drones.
Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, said Zone 5 aligns closely with KONGSBERG’s ambitions to expand its strike missile portfolio, develop full-spectrum air defense capabilities, and strengthen its presence in the United States. He praised Zone 5’s ability to bring new technologies to market amid intense industry competition.
Under the agreement, KONGSBERG will acquire 90 percent of Zone 5, with the management team retaining a minority stake. Zone 5 will operate as an independent subsidiary following closing, subject to regulatory approvals.
Thomas Akers, Chairman, CEO, and CTO of Zone 5, said the two companies share core values centered on customer commitment, engineering excellence, and employees, and expressed confidence that the partnership will support efficient scaling while preserving Zone 5’s innovative culture.
Source: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace