Les saken på norsk

Norway’s Minister of Defence, Tore O. Sandvik, recently visited Fremtidens Industri, NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster and Ocean Autonomy Cluster to gain insight into how the cluster ecosystem brings together Norway’s defence and security industry.

The visit also included presentations from several member companies developing advanced technologies within autonomous systems, surveillance and maritime security.

Thomas Nygaard, Eelume. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri

During the visit, Sandvik received a comprehensive overview of NORDSEC’s activities, collaborative projects and innovation initiatives, in addition to in-depth presentations from the member companies. He expressed clear appreciation for both the technologies being developed and the strong collaboration across the cluster.

Among the companies the minister met were Maritime Robotics, Biodrone, Blueye Robotics, Eelume and Senti Systems.

Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri

Sandvik highlighted the strategic importance of maritime and subsea security in Norway’s defence posture.

“On the seabed we have oil and gas pipelines, internet cables and power cables that are critical to society and must be protected. At the same time, we are investing in frigates, submarines, helicopters, surveillance aircraft, drones and autonomous systems. We also have a responsibility to detect and track Russian submarines in our waters. Together with NATO, we are strengthening control of our maritime areas, both above and below the surface,” said Sandvik.

Tore O. Sandvik at NORDSEC, 15 December 2025. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri

He also emphasised the need for closer cooperation between the Armed Forces and civilian technology companies.

“The Armed Forces cannot innovate fast enough on their own. We need to work closely with industry and the private sector to develop solutions that are both rapid and effective. The collaboration within NORDSEC strengthens not only the Armed Forces, but the Norwegian economy as a whole. Trøndelag plays a key role in this effort. We depend on the region’s competence and capacity, and cooperation with NTNU, SINTEF and the NORDSEC member companies is essential if we are to succeed.”

Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri

“It was an honour to show Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik how Trøndelag, through a unique maritime technology ecosystem, delivers scalable and complementary world-class drone technologies that provide rapid operational capability across both the civilian and military sectors, in Norway and internationally,” says Thomas Nygaard, CEO of Eelume.

The visit underscored the role of NORDSEC and the technology ecosystem in Trøndelag as a central arena for collaboration and innovation within Norway’s defence and security sector, and how the cluster connects industry, research institutions and the Armed Forces to address future security challenges.

More photos from the visit

Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset / Fremtidens Industri

See also: Innovation Breakfast in Trondheim: Technology as Security