Defense Express reported the information.Norwegian defense giant Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace announced Tuesday it has acquired Zone 5 Technologies LLC, an American defense company known for producing affordable long-range missiles destined for Ukraine. Kongsberg purchased a 90 percent stake in the firm, which will operate as an independent subsidiary, though the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.The acquisition comes as Ukraine prepares to receive Zone 5's Rusty Dagger cruise missile, which gained U.S. approval for Ukrainian procurement in August. The weapon is part of the Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) program and is expected to join the Ukrainian Air Force's arsenal in the coming months, where it will be tested in actual combat conditions.Kongsberg's move reflects the growing demand for mass-producible weapons systems that modern warfare has made essential. Rather than developing its own low-cost cruise missile, the Norwegian company opted to acquire Zone 5 outright, positioning itself to supply Ukraine and other nations seeking affordable strike capabilities.The Rusty Dagger is designed to meet ERAM specifications calling for a range of approximately 250 miles and a weight of around 500 pounds, with an estimated unit cost of $250,000—significantly cheaper than traditional cruise missiles. This price point makes the weapon suitable for sustained use in prolonged conflicts like the war in Ukraine.Once the Rusty Dagger sees combat in Ukraine, it will earn the "battle proven" designation that increasingly drives global defense purchasing decisions. Kongsberg noted that Zone 5's product line, which also includes the White Spike and Paladin interceptors, complements its existing portfolio and will allow the company to offer clients comprehensive weapons systems tailored to contemporary battlefield needs.