(Reuters) -Norwegian defence equipment maker Kongsberg Gruppen ( NSKFF ) reported an 81% higher first-quarter core profit on Thursday, driven by demand for its missiles and air defence systems among others.

Its operating earnings before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) soared to 3.29 billion Norwegian crowns ($318.3 million) in the first quarter on the year.

($1 = 10.3369 Norwegian crowns)