June 18, 2023

Kristjan Loftsson’s whaling company, Hvalur hf., is getting ready to begin whaling as final preparations are being made to Iceland’s whaling fleet. The harpoons that have been recently fitted are produced by Kongsberg Gruppen, a Norwegian weapons manufacturer. 

This modern-day whaling harpoon cannon (pictured) is based on the Bofors 40mm cannon used extensively by both the Allies and Axis forces in the Second World War. Early guns had a 70 mm bore and launched a 22 kilogram harpoon using 500 grams of black powder. The gun evolved into a 90 mm bore with exploding harpoons of up to 90 kilograms.

Kongsberg, a 50% state-owned Norwegian arms producer, was founded in 1814 as a weapons factory producing rifles for the Norwegian Armed Forces, and now produces modern-day weapons of war as well as harpoon guns for whaling. Bow–mounted exploding harpoon guns allowed for large–scale industrial whaling to begin, decimating whale stocks which have yet to be recovered.

Today, grenade-tipped harpoons are built to penetrate over 3 feet into the whale near the brain, spine or head. Despite the terrific power and barbaric nature of these weapons, whales can still take up to 45 minutes to perish and are shot multiple times before succumbing. 

Whether it be surface-to-air guided missiles or harpoon guns, Kongsberg Group, a member of the European Single Market, like Iceland, provides deadly weaponry for war-time and marine mammal species diminishment, despite an international ban on commercial whaling.

Kristjan Loftsson is planning to kill over 200 endangered fin whales this summer: Neptune’s Navy will be there to stop him. To learn more and be a part of the mission, click here paulwatsonfoundation.or#extinctionisforever 

Courtesy of Kristján Loftsson

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