Kongsberg Gruppen ASA is making a bold move to future-proof its business, and it’s one that could ripple across the maritime and defence sectors. The company’s Board is proposing a demerger that would split Kongsberg Maritime into an independent, publicly traded entity while consolidating Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Kongsberg Discovery into a single, advanced technology and defence-focused company. This isn’t just corporate reshuffling—it’s a strategic bet on the future of security and sustainability.
The timing is deliberate. Geopolitical tensions are escalating, sustainability mandates are tightening, and global markets are in flux. Kongsberg has already seen significant growth under these conditions, and the Board believes this structural shift will allow each business to capitalise on its own momentum. Eivind Reiten, chair of the Board, puts it bluntly: “This will further strengthen competitiveness in our efforts to create value in a world where security and sustainability are expected to dominate in the coming decades.”
The numbers back this up. Since 2016, Kongsberg has tripled its operating revenues. By the third quarter of 2025, the company employed 15,000 people and boasted a historically high order backlog. Revenues, results, and workforce are now evenly split between maritime and defence—a clear sign that both units are ready to stand on their own.
Kongsberg Maritime, with its leading position in maritime technology, operates in a rapidly evolving industry. From offshore vessels to merchant fleets and naval applications, the demand for integrated, sustainable solutions is surging. Meanwhile, the consolidated defence and aerospace business will focus on critical security and surveillance needs, serving both civilian and military markets.
Geir Håøy, president and CEO of Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, highlights the differing demands of these markets: “The units operate in different international markets that are undergoing change. This places different demands on business models.” By separating, each company gains the agility to innovate at the pace required by its industry. Rising geopolitical tensions and shifting trade dynamics make this move even more strategic.
Collaboration won’t disappear entirely—where synergies exist, they’ll continue to be leveraged. But the focus will shift to specialised strategies tailored to each sector’s unique challenges. Kongsberg Maritime will now have the freedom to double down on maritime innovation, while the defence and aerospace division can concentrate on advancing security technologies.
This demerger could set a precedent for other conglomerates in the maritime and defence sectors. As industries become more specialised and global pressures intensify, companies may find that focused, independent operations are the key to staying competitive. Kongsberg’s move isn’t just about restructuring—it’s about positioning itself at the forefront of two critical global trends: security and sustainability. The question now is whether other industry leaders will follow suit.