Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has signed an agreement to acquire Zone 5 Technologies LLC, a California-based missile company specializing in affordable, mass-producible long-range strike and anti-drone missiles. The transaction value has not been disclosed.
“The acquisition of Zone 5 marks a significant strategic move for KONGSBERG. Zone 5 is at the forefront of developing affordable missiles to be produced in high numbers,” said Geir Håøy, CEO of KONGSBERG.
Recent conflicts have highlighted the critical role of high-volume defense capabilities in modern warfare. Such weapons are essential both for defending against mass drone attacks and for striking a wide range of adversary assets, creating necessary deterrence. These capabilities are in high demand.
KONGSBERG already holds a world-leading portfolio of advanced air defence and long-range strike missile technologies. Zone 5’s product line fits well within KONGSBERG’s systems and complements existing offerings. By combining KONGSBERG’s high-performance portfolio with Zone 5’s high-volume assets, the company can provide comprehensive, flexible systems enabling nations to manage complex defence scenarios.
Zone 5 has won contracts and been down-selected in competitive U.S. programs, including the US Air Force’s Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM), the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles (FAMM), and a Defense Innovation Unit project for low-cost kill systems against larger drones.
“Zone 5 represents a strong match with KONGSBERG’s ambitions to expand our strike missile portfolio and develop Full Spectrum Air Defence capabilities, while advancing our presence in the United States,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
KONGSBERG will acquire 90% of Zone 5, with management retaining a minority stake. Zone 5 will operate as an independent subsidiary post-closing, subject to regulatory approvals.
Thomas Akers, Chairman, CEO, and CTO of Zone 5, added: “KONGSBERG shares Zone 5’s core values of unwavering customer commitment, exceptionally engineered solutions, and valuing our employees. Our teams look forward to learning from one another as Zone 5 scales production while remaining an innovative, disruptive growth platform.”
