Kongsberg is to deliver the Cortex Typhon CUAS through the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU). The systems will provide essential aerial threat protection capabilities, enhancing Ukraine’s ability to combat UAVs such as Shahen 136.
AUGUST 16, 2023. The Ukrainian military will receive a new type of counter-drone air defense system from Norway amid Russia’s increasing use of powerful loitering munitions.
The system, known as the CORTEX Typhon, will reportedly provide crucial protection against enemy combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as Moscow’s Shahed-136 attack drones.
Transfer of the anti-drone system will be made possible through the International Fund for Ukraine, a funding mechanism from international partners to procure defense items for the war-torn nation.
The International Fund for Ukraine (IFU), an initiative from the U.K. defense ministry, has signed a contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace Group to provide several C-UAS air defense systems, the Norwegian company announced on Aug. 14.
The contract is valued at a total of $71 million. The devices can disable various types of attack drones, the company said.
The C-UAS “will provide a significant capability boost for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and will support their ability to protect their people,” said Eirik Lie, president of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
The company added that the Norwegian government also donated Dingo 2 vehicles, weaponry, and remote weapon stations made by Kongsberg.
The UK set up the IFU with international partners to identify and procure equipment for Ukraine and ensure their quick delivery. The fund’s executive panel comprises of the UK, Norway, Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden.
The contract is worth £56 million ($71 million) and consists of several Cortex Typhon systems, developed to counter a wide range of UAVs with solutions to either physically harm or otherwise disable the aerial threat.
The Cortex Typhon is based on field-proven software and hardware from Teledyne FLIR and Kongsberg, including a surveillance system and Kongsberg remote weapon station (RWS) and the Cortex integrated combat solution. As part of the delivery, the Norwegian government has donated Dingo 2 mine-protected vehicles, Kongsberg RWS and weapons.
The IFU was established by the UK and international partners to identify and procure critical capabilities and deliver them quickly to Ukraine. Norway and the UK are among many nations that have contributed to the fund.
The fund consists of hundreds of millions of Euros designed to be used to directly purchase weapons to support Ukraine in its war against invading Russian forces. By direct purchase it is intended to ensure weapons arrive in the field quickly.
Other weapons and systems to purchased under IFU include the Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missile and Black Hornet nano-UAS.