KONGSBERG is expanding its space-based maritime surveillance capability with three additional satellites for its N3X constellation, following the successful operational delivery of maritime surveillance data and increased operational requirements from the Norwegian Armed Forces.
The three new satellites are planned to join KONGSBERG’s proprietary N3X constellation in early 2027, increasing the total number of satellites from three to six. The expansion is intended to improve revisit rates and provide near real-time coverage, strengthening maritime situational awareness for Norway and international partners.
The programme is being delivered through KONGSBERG’s end-to-end space capabilities, including advanced payloads, satellite platforms from Kongsberg NanoAvionics, ground services and satellite operations from KSAT, as well as system integration and secure data delivery.
“Rapidly deploying secure space-based capabilities is more critical than ever, and we are proud to contribute to Norway’s resilience and situational awareness from orbit,” said Eirik Lie, CEO of KONGSBERG.
“The decision to expand and enhance maritime surveillance capability is a strong endorsement of KONGSBERG’s ability to deliver complex, integrated space systems – from satellite platforms and advanced payloads to ground infrastructure and data services,” Lie added.
The expansion follows the deployment and operation of the first three N3X satellites, which were launched in 2025 and are currently delivering maritime surveillance data to Norwegian authorities. The data is being used by the Norwegian Armed Forces and other government agencies responsible for maritime security and governance, including the Norwegian Coastal Administration, the Directorate of Fisheries and Norwegian Customs.
All satellites in the N3X constellation, including the three planned additions, are owned by KONGSBERG. The satellites are equipped with integrated satellite AIS receivers and passive RF sensors designed to detect and track “dark vessels”, identify AIS spoofing attempts and monitor other anomalous maritime activities.
“The operational results achieved with the first three satellites have confirmed the value of space-based maritime surveillance as an important component of our situational awareness capabilities,” said Colonel John-Arild Bodding, Commander of the Norwegian Armed Forces Space Operations Center. “Expanding the constellation will further improve coverage, responsiveness, and our ability to monitor activities of interest in maritime areas.”
The N3X constellation is designed for both security and civil applications, providing scalable dual-use maritime surveillance capabilities. KONGSBERG also delivers N3X data to commercial customers, while surplus data capacity is being provided to allied nations to support maritime domain awareness and cooperative security efforts.
Additional data capacity is available for allied and partner nations. The passive RF-based maritime surveillance capability forms part of KONGSBERG’s wider portfolio of space-based solutions for defence users, which also includes multi-sensor ISR systems, tactical and broadband satellite communications and space situational awareness capabilities.
