KONGSBERG’s bold stride into additive manufacturing (AM) is more than just another investment—it signals an inflection point for the entire defence industry. The Norwegian defence powerhouse announced plans today to spend $170M with Germany’s EOS and AMCM, acquiring advanced multi-laser metal AM systems. This move doesn’t just accelerate innovation cycles; it fundamentally transforms design freedom and performance capabilities.
Today’s news is part of a 30-day trend that saw additive manufacturing mentioned 12 times, with major players like Lockheed Martin ($512M in defence tech investments) also making significant strides. But KONGSBERG’s announcement isn’t just another data point; it’s the latest indicator of a tectonic shift in how we manufacture defence systems.
This isn’t about faster prototyping or cheaper parts. It’s about designing new shapes impossible with traditional methods. As KONGSBERG puts it, “AM enables faster innovation cycles and increased design freedom.” In other words, expect radical innovations not just incremental improvements.
The Space Race Heats Up
Today also saw Airbus starting the development of EU’s new flagship space program IRIS²—a multi-orbit satellite constellation for resilient connectivity. This follows a pattern over the last 30 days, with defence primes like Northrop Grumman and Boeing pushing hard into space technologies. With $2.4B invested in space-related acquisitions since July alone, this isn’t just a race; it’s a gold rush.
Ukraine’s Swedish Gambit
On the geopolitical front, Ukraine’s unveiling of its new Shershen SAM system caught eyes today. Combining locally-developed command-and-control architecture with Ukrainian and Western missiles, it reflects a broader trend: defence systems designed for interoperability and adaptability. This could signal a shift in global defence procurement towards more flexible, modular systems—potentially disrupting traditional defence supply chains.
What Else Moved
GA-ASI unveiled Wildfire UAS—a military, civil, and commercial role juggler aiming to replace the MQ-9A Reaper. The Netherlands will purchase its own GlobalEye aircraft on top of NATO’s order, adding to Saab’s European sales momentum. The French Armed Forces ordered Airbus’ U050 Capa-X drone after demonstrating successful performance in an evaluation campaign.
FORWARD LOOK
With KONGSBERG igniting the next wave of defence innovation, watch for more primes announcing AM investments—and potentially, radical new designs hitting test ranges soon. Meanwhile, keep an eye on space and modularity trends shaping global geopolitics.