Q3 2026: KONGSBERG delivers a strong third quarter with a record-high order backlog

“At a time when European security is being challenged, our task is to strengthen defence capabilities through technology, capacity and delivery performance. We are expanding our capacity, including in Poland, to meet growing demand. Our focus now is on executing on our strong order backlog, which provides a solid foundation for continued growth,” said Eirik Lie, President and CEO of KONGSBERG.

Highlights and key figures, third quarter 2026: 

• Strong order intake of NOK 23.3 billion
• 50 per cent revenue growth to NOK 11.3 billion
• EBIT increased by 66 per cent to NOK 1.9 billion
• Record-high order backlog of NOK 174.2 billion

“KONGSBERG’s market-leading solutions in missiles, air defence and remote weapon stations address some of the most pressing security and defence challenges facing the world today. At the same time, the underwater domain and satellite technology are becoming increasingly important to national security and resilience,” said Lie.

Strong demand for KONGSBERG’s technology

Demand across KONGSBERG's portfolio continued to strengthen throughout the quarter. In particular, interest remained strong for the company's missiles, air defence systems and remote weapon stations.

In July, the United States Air Force ordered additional Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) for its F-35 fleet. Later in the quarter, KONGSBERG signed a framework agreement with the US Marine Corps covering production and sustainment support for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM). In October, Denmark, as the seventh nation, announced its intention to procure the JSM for its F-35 fighter aircraft.

KONGSBERG also signed several major air defence contracts. Among these was a NOK 10 billion agreement with Belgium for NASAMS. Belgium thereby became the 18th nation to have ordered NASAMS.

In addition, KONGSBERG signed a contract to deliver remote weapon stations for the Canadian Army's Armoured Combat Support Vehicle programme. The weapon stations are a key component of the company's counter-drone capabilities.

Strengthening the technology portfolio

The underwater domain is becoming increasingly important for national security, the protection of critical infrastructure, and maritime domain awareness. With extensive expertise in underwater sensor technologies and autonomous underwater systems, KONGSBERG is strongly positioned to meet growing demand in this expanding market.

During the third quarter, the U.S. government awarded KONGSBERG a USD 54 million contract related to autonomous underwater capabilities. U.S. authorities also approved KONGSBERG's acquisition of Sonatech during the quarter. The acquisition expands the company's expertise in underwater acoustics and strengthens its position in the U.S. market.

KONGSBERG’s acquisition of Zone 5 Technologies in the second quarter of 2026 expanded the company’s missile portfolio with solutions that can be produced cost-effectively at scale. During the third quarter, Zone 5 was selected for a U.S. Navy program valued at USD 65 million, demonstrating the relevance of Zone 5’s technology in a market characterised by growing demand.

Record-high order backlog provides strong visibility

Order intake in the third quarter amounted to NOK 23.3 billion, compared with NOK 9.5 billion in the corresponding quarter last year. This resulted in a book-to-bill ratio of 2.06.

At the end of the third quarter of 2026, the KONGSBERG's order backlog stood at NOK 174.2 billion, an increase of NOK 16.7 billion during the quarter. Year-to-date in 2026, the company has achieved an order intake of NOK 67 billion. The order backlog extends over many years and provides predictability for future development.

"The current security environment requires industry to deliver rapidly, reliably and at scale. With a record order backlog and continued strong demand, we are well positioned to meet the needs of our customers and allies. Together with our suppliers, we have the capacity required to strengthen defence capabilities, enhance preparedness and ensure that we are ready to meet tomorrow's needs," said Lie.