Flir Defense signs $31M counter-drones deal with Kongsberg Defence for Ukraine…

30 Aug 2023

…while Northrop Grumman delivers mini high-energy laser to U.S. Government for military testing.

Teledyne Flir Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies, has signed a contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Norway, valued at roughly $31 million to provide its Cerberus XL mobile counter-unmanned aerial system as part of a total C-UAS solution for Ukraine. The agreement includes delivery of the surveillance platforms as well as software, spares, support and training.

Kongsberg recently signed an agreement with the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) to deliver counter-drone systems that will be donated to the war-torn nation.

The IFU was established by the UK and international partners to identify and procure critical capabilities and deliver them quickly to Ukraine. Norway and the UK are among many nations that have contributed to the fund.

Cerberus XL combines an advanced thermal/visual imaging system with highly sensitive radar sensors onto a mobile platform to rapidly locate and track UAS targets. Kongsberg then feeds information from Cerberus into its remote weapons station to disable and defeat the threat.

“Teledyne Flir is proud to partner with Kongsberg in delivering our next-generation Cerberus XL as part of a complete and robust system to protect Ukraine's warfighters,” said Dr. JihFen Lei, executive VP and general manager of Teledyne Flir Defense.

In addition to the Cerberus systems, Teledyne Flir is supporting Ukraine’s defense with other advanced military technology, including its Black Hornet nano-drone. The Black Hornet 3 is currently being used by Ukrainian forces through donations made by the British and Norwegian governments.

Northrop Grumman delivers mini high-energy laser to U.S. Government

Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman has delivered a miniaturized high-energy laser source to the U.S. Government for testing ahead of likely military deployment. The laser is ruggedized for field use and miniaturizing it allows for rapid placement in tactical situations.

The 10kW class high-energy laser, known as Phantom, occupies about 0.34m³ (12 cubic feet – or roughly the size of a mini fridge). Weighing less than 90kg / 200 pounds, it can be installed by two personnel.

The Phantom’s intermediate customer will integrate it with other subsystems for testing before delivery to unspecified military customers. Financial details were not disclosed.

Robert Fleming, VP and general manager, strategic space systems, at Northrop Grumman, said, “By miniaturizing this advanced capability, we are expanding the reach of our technology and continuing to lead the way in high-energy lasers. Northrop Grumman is using its expertise in directed energy to deliver an extremely compact, lightweight and efficient laser for the warfighter.”