DIMDEX 2026: Kongsberg progressing networked CUI protection testbed

Modular Vanguard vessels in a concept image released around the launch of Kongsberg's Oslofjord critical maritime infrastructure testbed in June 2025. (Kongsberg)

Norway's Kongsberg is building vessels to be at the centre of a networked system for monitoring and defending critical underwater infrastructure (CUI), Janes was told at DIMDEX 2026 defence exhibition held between 19 and 22 January 2026.

Christina Grimstad, product solution director for maritime security (MARSEC) at Kongsberg, explained to Janes the development of what they call the ‘Oslofjord critical maritime infrastructure (CMI) testbed'. Under development since 30 June 2025, the company says that its CMI system does more than just CUI protection, because with surface, aerial, and space-based assets, it is intended to deal with threats and protect infrastructure above the waterline too.

Described as a system working “from seabed to space”, Grimstad said that each component system had already been sold separately for some time, largely to the offshore energy sector.

The 9 m Sounder unmanned surface vehicle (USV) started off counting fish populations for research but has proved effective in the testbed. The diesel-powered Kongsberg vehicle has 20 days endurance at sea. It has a small moon-pool that can be used to lower down various sensors, for example a hydrophone or a passive sonar unit. Sounder USVs are being built at Kongsberg's Horten site in Norway, Grimstad said, adding there was currently three or four different variants.

Kongsberg's future Vanguard system of systems is planned to consist of manned mother ships (also called Vanguard) acting as a command-and-control (C2) hub for manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) with various other platforms including subsurface, surface, or aerial vehicles.