Adapting Civilian Platforms for Military Use Can Speed Up Defence Production, Says Kongsberg CEO

In a recent interview, Geir Håøy, the CEO of Norway’s Kongsberg Gruppen, emphasized the importance of adapting civilian platforms for military use to accelerate defence production and increase standardization. With the growing pressure to boost military spending in Europe, especially under the administration of President Donald Trump, Håøy highlighted the need for simplifying processes to expedite production.

Håøy pointed out that utilizing commercial products and systems and integrating them into military systems could be a viable solution to enhance efficiency in defence manufacturing. As European allies face calls to increase military spending, the idea of leveraging civilian platforms for military purposes could offer a cost-effective and streamlined approach to modernizing defence capabilities.

As the Trump administration urges European countries to take more responsibility for their security and reduce dependence on the U.S., the conversation around enhancing defence capabilities has gained momentum. Håøy suggested that standardizing vessels based on civilian platforms and then militarizing them could be a practical strategy to overcome the challenges posed by varying standards and platforms.

By making vessels as civilian as possible and as military as necessary, Håøy believes that production can be accelerated, costs can be reduced, and sophisticated vessels can be developed. This approach could address the issue of multiple supply chains for different weapons systems, as seen in conflicts like the war in Ukraine, where coordination and support become more complex and costly.

Furthermore, Håøy emphasized the importance of securing supply chains for defence companies, particularly for smaller and medium-sized companies that may struggle with significant upfront investments. By understanding how to sustain the supply chain while scaling up production capacities, defence companies can ensure a reliable source of components and materials for their military systems.

As European defence stocks rose following the Trump administration’s calls for increased military spending, the industry is poised to explore innovative strategies to enhance defence production and modernization. By leveraging civilian platforms for military use and focusing on standardization and supply chain security, defence companies like Kongsberg Gruppen are at the forefront of driving efficiency and effectiveness in defence manufacturing.

As the global security landscape continues to evolve, the adaptation of civilian platforms for military purposes could be a game-changer in enhancing defence capabilities and meeting the demands of modern warfare.