DIU Adds $54 Million to Kongsberg's Underwater Drone Deal
A $54 million DIU modification for autonomous underwater vehicle deliveries extends Kongsberg's Navy work as the service buys commercial designs instead of building its own large undersea drones.
A delivery-focused award extends Kongsberg's Navy work as the service buys commercial designs instead of building its own large undersea drones.
The Defense Innovation Unit added $54 million to an existing Prototype Other Transaction Agreement with Kongsberg, the Norwegian group said Oct. 29. The money primarily covers delivery of "a broad range" of autonomous underwater vehicles plus associated underwater components.
The release names no vehicle models, quantities or delivery dates. Nor does it say whether the modified agreement is the one DIU signed in February 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did DIU award Kongsberg?
A $54 million modification to an existing Prototype Other Transaction Agreement, announced by Kongsberg on Oct. 29, 2026. It primarily covers delivery of autonomous underwater vehicles and associated components.
Which vehicles are included?
Kongsberg did not name models, quantities or delivery dates. Its earlier DIU work centered on the HUGIN Superior and HUGIN Endurance deep-water AUVs.
How does this connect to the 2024 Navy prototype awards?
In February 2024 DIU and the Navy's Program Office for Advanced Undersea Systems awarded prototype agreements to Kongsberg Discovery, Oceaneering and Anduril. Kongsberg has not confirmed whether this modification amends that agreement.
Why is the Navy buying commercial underwater drones?
The Navy proposed ending its in-house Snakehead large unmanned undersea vehicle program in its fiscal 2023 budget over cost growth, delays and submarine integration problems. Congress approved the termination.
How big is Kongsberg's AUV business?
Kongsberg says it has signed AUV contracts worth NOK 1.7 billion across defense and commercial markets so far in 2026. Group backlog reached a record NOK 174.2 billion at the end of the third quarter.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.