Kongsberg closes Zone 5 acquisition, formalises affordable missile push

June 10 (Reuters) - Norwegian defence and technology group Kongsberg on Wednesday said it had completed the acquisition of U.S.-based Zone 5 Technologies, a developer of low-cost, mass-producible missile systems linked to U.S. Air Force efforts to develop so-called affordable mass munitions.

The deal, agreed in late 2025, closes as Western militaries seek to replenish depleted air defence and missile stocks following recent conflicts.

• "Recent conflicts have demonstrated the critical role of high-volume defence capabilities. This is exactly what Europe needs," Kongsberg CEO Eirik Lie said

• Zone 5 has been involved in U.S. programmes including the Extended Range Attack Munition initiative and related efforts to scale production of lower-cost strike and air defence systems

• Zone 5 will operate as an independent subsidiary, Kongsberg said

• The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed

(Reporting by Maria Rugamer in Gdansk, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak)