Kongsberg is expanding its space-based capability for maritime surveillance to meet the increased operational needs of the Norwegian Armed Forces. The initiative will provide more frequent observations and improved near real-time coverage.
Three new satellites will be added to the company's N3X constellation in early 2027, according to a press release from Kongsberg. This will increase the number of satellites in the constellation to six.
"The expansion of the constellation will improve coverage, response capability and our ability to monitor activities of interest in maritime areas," says Colonel John-Arild Bodding, head of the Norwegian Armed Forces' Space Operations Centre.
The expansion builds on the first three N3X satellites, which were launched in 2025 and deliver maritime surveillance data to Norwegian authorities. The data is used by the Norwegian Armed Forces as well as by authorities responsible for maritime safety and management, including the Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket), the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries (Fiskeridirektoratet) and the Norwegian Customs Service (Tolletaten).
The satellites are equipped with integrated receivers for the Automatic Identification System (AIS) as well as passive RF sensors. According to Kongsberg, the equipment makes it possible to detect and track so-called dark vessels, identify attempts to manipulate AIS data, and monitor other anomalous activities at sea.
All satellites in the constellation are owned by Kongsberg. The company is also responsible for system integration and secure data delivery. The satellite platforms are supplied by Kongsberg NanoAvionics, while KSAT is responsible for ground services and satellite operations.
N3X is intended for both military and civilian applications. Surplus capacity from the constellation is also supplied to allied countries, and additional capacity is available for allies and partner nations.