Building on the successful operational delivery of maritime surveillance data through its N3X satellite constellation, KONGSBERG is expanding its space-based maritime surveillance capability to meet increased operational needs from the Norwegian Armed Forces. KONGSBERG has responded with an agile solution, accelerating the deployment of additional satellite capacity to improve revisit rates and provide near real-time coverage.
Three new satellites will be added to KONGSBERG’s proprietary N3X constellation in early 2027, bringing the total number of satellites to six and significantly strengthening the ability to deliver national maritime situational awareness for Norway and international partners. The programme is delivered through KONGSBERG’s unique end-to-end space capabilities, including advanced payloads, satellite platforms from Kongsberg NanoAvionics, ground services and satellite operations from KSAT, as well as overall system integration and secure data delivery.
“Rapidly deploying secure space-based capabilities is more critical than ever, and we are proud to contribute to Norway’s resilience and situational awareness from orbit,” said Eirik Lie, CEO of KONGSBERG. “The decision to expand and enhance maritime surveillance capability is a strong endorsement of KONGSBERG’s ability to deliver complex, integrated space systems – from satellite platforms and advanced payloads to ground infrastructure and data services.”
The expansion builds on the successful deployment and operation of the three initial N3X satellites, which were launched in 2025 and are currently delivering maritime surveillance data to Norwegian authorities. The data is actively utilised by the Norwegian Armed Forces and other government agencies with responsibilities for maritime security and governance, including the Norwegian Coastal Administration, the Directorate of Fisheries, and Norwegian Customs. The proven performance and operational value of the existing constellation have formed the basis for this expansion.
All satellites in the constellation, including the three new additions, are owned by KONGSBERG. Equipped with integrated satellite AIS receivers and passive RF sensors, they provide a unique surveillance capability for detecting and tracking “dark vessels”, identifying AIS spoofing attempts, and monitoring other anomalous maritime activities.
“The operational results achieved with the first three satellites have confirmed the value of space-based maritime surveillance as an important component of our situational awareness capabilities. Expanding the constellation will further improve coverage, responsiveness, and our ability to monitor activities of interest in maritime areas,” said Colonel John-Arild Bodding, Commander of Norwegian Armed Forces Space Operations Center.
The N3X constellation is designed to support both security and civil applications, providing scalable, dual-use maritime surveillance capabilities. N3X delivers data to commercial customers. In addition to serving Norwegian authorities, surplus data capacity is being delivered to allied nations, immediately supporting their maritime domain awareness and cooperative security efforts. Further data capacity is available for allied and partner nations.
The passive RF-based maritime surveillance capability forms part of KONGSBERG’s growing portfolio of space-based solutions tailored to the needs of defence users. The portfolio also includes multi-sensor ISR systems, tactical and broadband satellite communications, and space situational awareness capabilities.
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