International Fund for Ukraine Orders Multiple Cortex Typhon C-UAS Air Defense Systems from Kongsberg
The UK and Norway have signed contracts to deliver air defense equipment to Ukraine worth $115 milion on behalf of the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU). These include a counter-uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) contract with Norwegian defence company Kongsberg and two further contracts to provide further air defence capabilities.
With small drones posing a major threat in Ukraine, the provision of very short range kinetic air defense systems alongside larger, longer-range systems which can engage missiles and aircraft are essential.
“These air defence systems have the capability and flexibility to be rapidly deployed to either protect Ukraine’s civilian population and infrastructure, or be put to use on the frontline,” said UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, “the International Fund for Ukraine highlights the unity and resolve of our Allies to work together to provide Ukraine with cutting-edge equipment to meet its capability requirements.”
The contract with Kongsberg, worth $71 million will purchase an unspecified number of vehicle-mounted CORTEX Typhon counter-drone systems capable of detecting, tracking, destroying or disrupting unmanned aerial systems. The CORTEX Typhon system is designed to be operated by a small crew, a minimum of two operators, and can be rapidly deployed and repositioned to maximise its operational effectiveness.
The system combines Kongsberg’s PROTECTOR RS6 Remote Weapon Station (RWS) mounting a powerful M230 LF 30mm low recoil cannon with the company’s CORTEX Integrated Combat Solution.
According to the UK Ministry of Defense the system can operate individually, or as part of an integrated network, and “will use a complex suite of sensors, cameras, radars, and electronic surveillance equipment to allow it to physically destroy or disrupt drones.” The systems will be mounted on the German Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) Dingo 2 Mine Resistant Ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles.
“This contract will provide a significant capability boost for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and will support their ability to protect their people and defend their country against aerial threats,” according to Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. Similarly, Norway’s Minister of Defense Bjørn Arild Gram said “this will help save lives of Ukrainians and is important in countering Russia’s severe aggression.”