Indra has signed a sequence of contracts totaling more than 70 million with the Norwegian defense firm Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The agreements cover the upgrade and outfitting of the combat systems for six Type 212CD submarines, with Norway purchasing four units and Germany acquiring two. The collaboration underscores a growing emphasis on advanced sensor suites, intelligent processing, and secure communications that are central to modern naval warfare in North America and Europe alike.
As part of the package, the Spanish company will supply the vessels with smart electronic defense systems that incorporate the latest technologies. These systems include navigation radars designed to operate with a very low probability of intercept, boosting the submarines’ ability to perform tasks with precision and supporting faster, more reliable decision making in dynamic maritime environments. The deployment aims to enhance survivability and mission effectiveness across a spectrum of operating conditions, from coastal defense to open-ocean patrols.
Ignacio Mataix, chief executive officer of Indra, emphasizes that these awards strengthen the company’s role as a European leader in technological engineering and cutting-edge platforms that will shape the future of defense. The partnerships illustrate Indra’s capacity to deliver integrated solutions that blend signal intelligence, robust defense electronics, and interoperable systems for allied forces, including those in Canada and the United States who value advanced naval capabilities for multinational operations.
Indra’s electronic intelligence suite is designed to capture and analyze broadband signals to identify potential threats, using digital reception technology to generate radar and communications intelligence. The software-driven approach relies on artificial intelligence and machine learning to adapt to evolving electronic environments, helping operators distinguish real threats from background noise and make informed tactical choices in real time.
On board, Indra is contributing X-band radar systems that provide dual continuous-wave and pulsed radar modes. These radars offer high detection sensitivity while keeping the probability of detection low, ensuring reliable situational awareness without compromising stealth. The combination of powerful radar and intelligent processing supports submarine commanders in mission planning, target localization, and coordinated responses with surface ships and allied subsystems.
Indra had previously equipped an earlier variant of this submarine class. The Type 212CD platform has already seen service with naval forces in several countries, including Germany, Italy, and Portugal, validating the integration of Indra’s systems in demanding maritime environments. The ongoing program demonstrates how European defense technology is scalable to the needs of North American partners and how joint development accelerates capability growth for alliance interoperability.
For the North American defense community, the collaboration signals a trend toward deeper integration of smart sensors, autonomous processing, and secure, high-bandwidth communications within submarine fleets. It aligns with broader strategic goals in Canada and the United States to modernize undersea warfare capabilities while maintaining robust alliances and supply chains that support multinational readiness and rapid deployment in crisis scenarios. The emphasis on low-intercept radars and AI-enhanced signal intelligence resonates with current procurement trends focused on resilience, cyber-physical security, and the ability to leverage shared data across allied forces.
Overall, the Indra-Kongsberg arrangement exemplifies how Europe’s defense technology ecosystem is contributing to the modernization of submarine fleets across the Atlantic. By combining advanced electronic warfare tools, real-time data analysis, and adaptable radar systems, the program aims to deliver a comprehensive, future-ready capability that can complement existing North American assets and strengthen cooperative defense postures for decades to come. This alignment with allied strategic aims underscores the importance of continued investment in interoperable, cutting-edge platforms that support both deterrence and expeditionary operations for European and North American navies alike.
Citation: Indra press materials related to the Type 212CD program.