Les saken på norsk

Europe is facing an increasingly unstable security situation, highlighting the growing need for rapid innovation, industrial capacity, and a well-functioning total defense. At a packed Innovation Breakfast at DIGS in Trondheim, the Ocean Autonomy Cluster and Trøndelag’s defense and technology industries were highlighted as key contributors to European security through maritime autonomy, supplier industries, and close collaboration between civilian and military actors.

Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

A Sharpened Security Picture in the North

Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik painted a serious picture of the situation in the north:
– While Russia is losing around 1,000 soldiers a day in Ukraine, it is simultaneously building up significant military capacity on the Kola Peninsula, close to the Norwegian border, including cruise missiles and submarines. Norway is NATO’s eyes and ears in the north.

He also emphasized Norway’s strategic role as an energy supplier and in critical infrastructure:
– On the seabed, we have oil and gas pipelines, internet cables, and power lines that are crucial for both Norway and our allies.

Sandvik highlighted investments in new capabilities and industrial collaboration:
– As part of the frigate purchase, we also have offset agreements, in addition to building and acquiring standard vessels for the Navy. This is important for Norwegian industry.

Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

Total Defense Must Be Built Together

The Minister stressed the importance of total defense:
– 2026 is the year of total defense. We cannot defend ourselves without a total defense – as we clearly see in Ukraine. Civil defense works, but we must become a total defense again. We need to be more robust and better prepared.

He also emphasized the need for cooperation with the civilian industry:
– We cannot innovate fast enough in the Armed Forces alone. This must be done together with the civilian technology industry, and it will impact all parts of the Norwegian economy.

Vibeke Schei Solberg, SpareBank 1 SMN; Frode Halvorsen, Ocean Autonomy Cluster; and Stian Landstad, LGr Technologies. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

Ocean Autonomy Cluster and NORDSEC Companies as Regional Engines

The Ocean Autonomy Cluster played a central role in the discussion on maritime security and autonomy. Cluster leader Frode Halvorsen emphasized the importance of regional expertise and the need for supportive frameworks:

– Trondheim hosts one of the world’s leading marine technology environments, with some of the top marine tech companies internationally. At the same time, we need incentives to attract capital and agreements with the Armed Forces to avoid being outpaced by foreign competitors.

Frode Halvorsen, Ocean Autonomy Cluster. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

The NORDSEC Defence and Security Cluster was represented through member company LGr Technologies. CEO Stian Landstad presented the company’s work:

– We are developing a mobile and lightweight tactical sensor for perimeter security, working closely with a number of important regional partners.

Tor Grande, Rector of NTNU. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

Rector Tor Grande highlighted civil-military collaboration as a key part of the university’s mission, while Vibeke Schei Solberg from SpareBank 1 SMN pointed to strong growth in the region’s defense-related industry, which remains capital-intensive and dependent on predictable frameworks.

The Innovation Breakfast at DIGS demonstrated how the Ocean Autonomy Cluster, together with the defense and security industry represented by NORDSEC companies, plays a key role in strengthening total defense and European security in a turbulent time.

Stian Landstad, LGr Technologies. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri