Kongsberg Discovery announced that its Mobile Broadband Radio (MBR) MK3 series has received DD1494 certification from the United States Department of Defence (DoD), authorising the systems for use across U.S. military operations.
The DD1494 approval confirms that the MBR MK3 series, operating in the frequency range between 4.400-5.000 GHz (Nato Band IV), meets the DoD’s stringent requirements for spectrum-dependent equipment.
Deployed within DoD programs
Certification ensures the systems can operate within designated frequency bands
This certification ensures the systems can operate within designated frequency bands without interfering with other military or government communications systems, while providing robust protection against spoofing and jamming attempts.
It also enables the equipment to be developed, procured, and deployed within DoD programs, with funding authorisation and host nation coordination where applicable.
High-performance communications solutions
“Receiving DD1494 certification is a major step forward for our MBR technology,” said Vidar Bjørkedal, Vice President of Kongsberg Discovery.
Vidar Bjørkedal adds, “It confirms that our systems meet the rigorous standards required for U.S. defence operations and reflects our commitment to delivering secure, high-performance communications solutions for both military and commercial maritime environments.”
Manned and unmanned operations
MBR offers unmatched reliability for both manned and unmanned operations
The timing could not be more important. As the need for secure, resilient communications grows — particularly in contested and GPS-denied environments — MBR offers unmatched reliability for both manned and unmanned operations.
Its ability to maintain high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity between vessels, vehicles, and command centres enhances operational effectiveness, decision-making speed, and mission success.
For the warfighter, this means better situational awareness, greater mission flexibility, and a decisive edge in complex maritime and littoral environments.
Advanced mobile communication solutions
Kongsberg’s MBR systems are advanced mobile communication solutions designed to transfer large volumes of data between vessels, shore stations, and autonomous or remotely operated vehicles.
These systems are critical for enabling safe, efficient, and digitally integrated maritime operations, particularly where high-speed, reliable connectivity is essential.
Kongsberg’s earlier success in 2022
The MBR 144 series was already certified under standard FCC regulations
This milestone builds on Kongsberg’s earlier success in 2022, when the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted a rare waiver for the MBR 179 MK2 and MBR 189 MK2 systems to operate in the 5.725–5.850 GHz band.
That waiver allowed the company to bring its high-performance MBR products to the U.S. commercial maritime market, expanding access to advanced digital communication capabilities.
The MBR 144 series was already certified under standard FCC regulations.
FCC and DoD certifications
With both FCC and DoD certifications now in place, Kongsberg Discovery is uniquely positioned to support a broad range of U.S. maritime stakeholders — from commercial operators to defense agencies — seeking robust, high-capacity communication systems that can withstand even the most contested information environments.
