KONGSBERG Expands Maritime Surveillance Capability with Additional N3X Satellites
KONGSBERG is set to enhance maritime surveillance with the rapid acceleration of additional satellite capacity, aimed at improving revisit rates and offering near real-time coverage.
Three new satellites will join KONGSBERG’s proprietary N3X constellation in early 2027, increasing the total number of satellites to six and significantly bolstering the company’s capacity to provide national maritime situational awareness for Norway and its international partners.
Extended collaboration
The initiative is supported by KONGSBERG’s comprehensive end-to-end space capabilities. This includes advanced payloads and satellite platforms developed by Kongsberg NanoAvionics, ground services, and satellite operations managed by KSAT, combined with overall system integration and secure data delivery.
“The rapid deployment of secure space-based capabilities is of utmost importance, and we take pride in enhancing Norway’s resilience and situational awareness from orbit,” stated Eirik Lie, CEO of KONGSBERG.
Lie emphasized, “The decision to expand and improve our maritime surveillance capacity is a strong testament to KONGSBERG’s expertise in delivering complex, integrated space systems—from satellite platforms and advanced payloads to ground infrastructure and data services.”
Increased responsiveness by space capabilities
This expansion builds on the successful launch and operations of the three initial N3X satellites, which became operational in 2025 and are currently providing vital maritime surveillance data to Norwegian authorities. This data is utilized actively by the Norwegian Armed Forces and various government agencies tasked with maritime security and governance, including the Norwegian Coastal Administration, the Directorate of Fisheries, and Norwegian Customs. The success and operational value of the existing constellation have laid the groundwork for this expansion.
All satellites in the N3X constellation, including the three upcoming additions, are owned by KONGSBERG. They are equipped with integrated satellite AIS receivers and passive RF sensors, delivering a unique capability for the detection and tracking of “dark vessels,” the identification of AIS spoofing attempts, and the monitoring of other unusual maritime activities.
“The operational achievements delivered by the first three satellites have confirmed the significance of space-based maritime surveillance as an essential component of our situational awareness capabilities. The expanded constellation will enhance coverage, responsiveness, and our ability to monitor key activities in maritime regions,” commented Colonel John-Arild Bodding, Commander of the Norwegian Armed Forces Space Operations Center.
Dual-use approach in space
The N3X constellation is designed to facilitate both security and civil applications, offering scalable, dual-use maritime surveillance capabilities. In addition to serving Norwegian authorities, excess data capacity is shared with allied nations, enhancing their maritime domain awareness and cooperative security efforts. Additional data capacity remains available for other allies and partner nations.
The passive RF-based maritime surveillance capability is part of KONGSBERG’s expanding portfolio of space-based solutions tailored for defense users. This portfolio also encompasses multi-sensor ISR systems, tactical and broadband satellite communications, and space situational awareness capabilities.
