Kongsberg says new teaming agreement is isolated to one program, but could expand

By Marjorie Censer / October 13, 2020 at 10:33 AM

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace earlier this year formed a teaming agreement with Patria Oyi to pursue U.S. Army mortar programs.

This summer, the two companies announced the deal, which is focused on promoting and producing the 120mm Patria Nemo, a turreted, remote-controlled mortar system, in the United States.

In May, Kongsberg noted, Patria entered into a cooperative research and development agreement for Nemo with the Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center.

In an interview with Inside Defense last week, Scott Burk, who oversees business development and government relations for U.S. land systems at Kongsberg, said Kongsberg will serve as the manufacturing and operational element in the United States for Patria if the program moves forward. The program would use Kongsberg's Johnstown, PA, facility.

Burk said the Army is undertaking experimentation to refine requirements and that he expects a program of record decision in 2023 or 2024.

"This agreement that we have right now is restricted or isolated specifically to this effort," he said, but added that if it goes well, the two companies could team on other opportunities.

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