Kongsberg Defence Surveillance Radars for Air Defense
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has secured a significant contract with Danish technology firm Weibel Scientific to provide XENTA surveillance radars aimed at enhancing short-range air defense capabilities. This agreement, valued at over 500 million Danish kroner—equivalent to approximately $75.5 million—will see the delivery of these advanced radars taking place between 2026 and 2027.
The deployment of XENTA radars will integrate seamlessly into the Norwegian Army’s mobile National Maneuver Air Defence System, a strategic initiative that was unveiled in 2024. This marks a historic moment for Weibel Scientific, as it represents the largest single order the Allerød-based company has ever received, particularly significant given their goal to develop the “world’s best surveillance radar for detection and classification”.
Weibel Scientific’s CEO, Peter Røpke, expressed enthusiasm over this order, emphasizing its importance not just as a financial milestone, but as validation of the company’s path towards becoming a global leader in radar solutions for short-range air defense and anti-drone operations. He stated, “This historic order is not only the largest in the history of our company but also proof that we are on the right path to becoming the global leader in radar systems for short-range air defense and protection against hostile drones.”
The XENTA radar system, noted for its sophisticated detection and classification capabilities, can autonomously differentiate between various aerial objects, including drones, birds, and wind turbines. Several units have already been successfully installed in Norway, with additional radars strategically positioned in critical sites, including the Danish drone center at Hans Christian Andersen Airport in Odense and international airports in Paris, such as Charles de Gaulle and Le Bourget.
In light of the escalating global security threats, Røpke highlighted the increasing demand for advanced radar systems. He stated, “The worsening of the global security situation is creating enormous demand for our product solutions — ranging from the protection of civilian and public critical infrastructure to safeguarding soldiers in warfare.” The XENTA radars are poised to play a crucial role in addressing these urgent defense needs.
