Polish-Norwegian partnership to develop joint counter-unmanned aerial systems for NATO Eastern Flank.

According to information published by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace on July 29, 2025, the Norwegian defense group has signed a strategic Teaming Agreement with Advanced Protection Systems, a Poland-based company, to develop and deliver joint counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) solutions. This partnership aims to address the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to both military and civilian infrastructure, with an initial focus on the defense of Norway and Poland.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Polish counter-drone system SKYctrl (Picture source: Polish MoD)

The collaboration capitalises on the complementary strengths of the two firms. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has experience in integrated air defense systems and C-UAS capabilities, while Advanced Protection Systems (APS) is known for its FIELDctrl radar family and SKYctrl C-UAS architecture, already deployed in operational environments. This agreement will enable the two companies to develop scalable and interoperable systems, and share critical technologies, including radar, sensor fusion, command and control networks, and kinetic and non-kinetic response tools.

SKYctrl is a modular, layered C‑UAS system designed for detection, classification, tracking, and neutralisation of drones in real time. It integrates APS’s FIELDctrl 3D MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) radar with acoustic, electro‑optical/infrared (EO/IR), and RF sensors, all managed through the CyView C2 command‑and‑control interface. The FIELDctrl radar implements advanced AESA/MIMO technology and a multi‑hypothesis tracking (MHT) algorithm to reliably identify drones at ranges up to several kilometres, depending on model. Acoustic sensors and RF detection augment radar performance, enhancing overall situational awareness and reducing false alarms.

SKYctrl has multiple neutralisation options such as an automated RF jammers operating across 20 frequency bands (Wi‑Fi, GSM, GNSS,…), or kinetic hard‑kill effectors such as autocannons, net launchers, or directed‑energy weapons . Notably, in September 2024, APS introduced a non‑explosive interceptor drone capable of autonomous aerial collision to bring down hostile UAVs.

The need for more anti-drone systems highlights the operational realities witnessed in Ukraine, where low-cost drones have repeatedly exposed the vulnerability of even the most advanced armored systems and have become one of the main threats for infantry. The advent of these partnerships showcases a growing acknowledgment that drone threats will define the character of future combat zones and that armed forces will need scalable, adaptative, effective and layered responses.

The strategic significance of the partnership lies in its timing and regional focus. As drones become an increasingly common tool in hybrid warfare, the need for battlefield-ready counter-drone solutions has intensified, particularly in NATO’s eastern region, where tensions have risen due to ongoing regional instability. This agreement also enhances Poland’s emerging role as a center for C-UAS innovation and aligns with European efforts to build a resilient and technologically advanced security architecture.