Kongsberg Defence Systems (KONGSBERG) signed an agreement to collaborate with the helicopter supplier AgustaWestland.
AgustaWestland is in competition for the replacement of the Sea King in service for Norwegian Search and Rescue. The Sea King has been in service since 1972 and is also delivered by AgustaWestland.

Should AgustaWestland win with their AW101 candidate (photo), this new agreement will expand significantly the long-term helicopter activities at KONGSBERG. With the new agreement, the helicopter activity has a potential for 150-200 Norwegian Krone (MNOK) in yearly revenues and secures 50 jobs for approximately 30 years.

On the existing Sea King, KONGSBERG has already for 30 years been responsible for maintenance of the helicopters drive line (rotorheads and gearboxes). The new agreement with AgustaWestland represents an expansion of tasks and development in connection with maintenance and test of rotorheads and gearboxes for the AW101 helicopter.

Furthermore the agreement includes transfer of technology for advanced test equipment facilitating full-functional testing of gearboxes and other new technologies in helicopter maintenance. With the new test equipment in house, it opens for new possibilities to maintain other gearboxes in the AgustaWestland portfolio, amongst others for the NH-90. In 2011, KONGSBERG signed an agreement with AgustaWestland to maintain the gearboxes on the NH-90`s in supply for the Nordic countries (totaling 52 helicopters).

KONGSBERG supplies high-technology systems and solutions to customers engaged in the oil and gas industry, the merchant marine industry, and the defence and aerospace industries.
 
In 2012, the Group had operating revenues of NOK 15.7 billion, and it currently has some 7 400 co-workers in more than 25 countries.