# Saildrone’s Norwegian builder plans at least two naval drones monthly, Defense News reports
Umoe Mandal plans a dedicated Surveyor production site near its main plant, Defense News reports, adding manufacturing detail to Saildrone’s previously announced European expansion.
Published 2026-11-04 by TGOs. Canonical: https://tgos.io/news/2026/11/04/saildrone-s-norwegian-builder-plans-at-least-two-naval/
Umoe Mandal plans a factory near its main plant devoted to Saildrone’s Surveyor naval drones, CEO Tom Fidjeland said, according to Defense News.[1] The planned initial production rate is at least two a month.[1] A first mold is already being readied.[1]
Saildrone named Umoe Mandal as its next-generation Surveyor builder on Aug. 18, 2026.[2] The dedicated site and initial production rate reported by Defense News add manufacturing detail to that expansion.[1][2] The outlet names no European government order for Norwegian-built Surveyors.[1]
Defense News reported that Saildrone plans to supply the autonomy suite, navigation, electronics and surveillance technology for the Norwegian-built Surveyor bodies.[1] The 20-meter craft uses diesel and wind power.[1] Umoe Mandal specializes in naval composite structures, including masts for British Type 26 frigates.[1]
## Why it matters
Saildrone chose a Norwegian builder with an eye on new sales in Northern Europe, company executives said, according to Defense News.[1] Saildrone’s managing director for Europe, Robert Kleist, identified the Nordic defense group NORDEFCO as a potential source of business.[1] Its acquisition track could generate national task orders for unmanned platforms that Saildrone would compete for, he said.[1]
## Sources
1. Defense News: Saildrone expands its European market reach with manufacturing partner in Norway
2. Saildrone: Major European Expansion with Local Production, Operations, and Business Development (Aug. 18, 2026)