On Tuesday, 16 December, the Norwegian defense group Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace announced that it had signed an agreement to acquire the U.S.-based company Zone 5 Technologies LLC, which is best known for its low-cost long-range missile systems. The value of the deal was not disclosed, but Kongsberg confirmed it is acquiring a 90 percent stake. Once the transaction is finalized, Zone 5 will continue operating as an independent subsidiary.
Kongsberg noted that modern combat operations have demonstrated the critical importance of genuinely mass-produced strike weapons. In this context, Zone 5's products fit well into Kongsberg's portfolio of advanced defense technologies. By combining these capabilities, the company expects to offer customers more integrated and flexible systems.
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Instead of developing its own low-cost cruise missile, a category that is rapidly gaining popularity, Kongsberg opted to purchase one of the companies already active in this segment.
Kongsberg highlighted three key products from Zone 5: the White Spike and Paladin interceptors, as well as the company’s low-cost cruise missile, Rusty Dagger.
Rusty Dagger is part of the ERAM (Extended Range Attack Munition) program. In August this year, it became known that Ukraine had received approval from the United States to procure weapons from this program for its Air Force. As a result, Rusty Dagger is expected to eventually enter service with Ukraine's military and gain the increasingly valued "battle-proven" status, which is drawing growing attention from arms buyers worldwide.
The specific performance characteristics of the Rusty Dagger have not yet been disclosed. However, ERAM requirements included a range of up to 400 km and a total weight of 227 kg. The estimated unit cost of the missile is around $250,000.
Previously, Defense Express reported on the Narwhal cruise missile for Ukraine, which is capable of striking targets in Moscow and Engels.
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