The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA) has awarded Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) a contract to develop THOR Remote Control Terminal (tRCT). Secure communication through a new tactical radio system is an important part of the modernisation of combat-related IT for the Armed Forces, and a part of Program Mime. Secure communication for national security is a highlighted area of national strategic importance. The contract value is NOK 255 million. This contract secures the continuation of a specialized expertise in crypto and security solutions within KONGSBERG, which has for many years been a trusted and certified supplier of crypto solutions developed in close cooperation with the Norwegian National Security Authority.
The development is closely linked to the delivery of the THOR radio system. THOR is a dual channel tactical Software Defined Radio (SDR), provides resilient wide band and narrow band connectivity to warfighting platforms and units. A contract for serial production is expected to follow. The Remote Control Terminal has a highly flexible architecture and capability to manage operator controls and high grade secure communications of several THOR combat net radios at once. The terminal will be designed for optimal use with the radio, but also equipped with interfaces to allow stand-alone high grade crypto solutions for other communications bearers like satellites, 5G, fixed infrastructure etc.
Norway’s Mime programme has included other THOR systems and will modernise tactical management systems for the land, sea and air domains. In June 2023, the NDMA awarded a NOK320 million contract to Kongsberg to develop tactical radio equipment for the Norwegian Armed and low-volume production of THOR Vehicle Radio Module (VRM) will constitute the first phase of this agreement. It is believed a handheld THOR version has also been in development. Mime will be built around a strategic agreement signed between NDMA and Kongsberg, with the company taking responsibility for service and system integration, which also includes application support and architecture.
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) is one of three business units of Kongsberg Gruppen (KONGSBERG) of Norway and a supplier of defence and space related systems and products, mainly anti-ship missiles, military communications, and command and weapons control systems for naval vessels and air-defence applications. Kongsberg has a long and proud history – from its starting point in Norway in 1814, to the international corporation of today, the company has been an innovative technology environment. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kongsberg Gruppen ASA and consists of seven business areas, each with a world-class product portfolio and a proven track record.
