Les saken på norsk For the first time, the German-Nordic Defence Industry Dialogue was held during Enforce Tac 2025. The conference was organized by Dr. Christian Wildhagen in collaboration with NORDSEC and Ebbe Deraas. – The goal was to establish an innovative defence industrial ecosystem between Germany and the Nordic countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland), with the potential for broader participation, explains Ebbe Deraas, cluster leader at NORDSEC. Among the participants were representatives from defence ministries, government agencies, industry organizations, and defence companies, including the Royal Danish Embassy in Germany, Morten Minsaas (COO, Ritek AS), and Håvar Øie (Senior Sales Director Defence & Security, Maritime Robotics). German-Nordic Defence Industry Dialogue at Enforce Tac 2025, Exciting Technology – This was a very good conference, says Håvar Øie. Many companies showcased cutting-edge technology, with a strong presence of SMEs focusing on innovation. The participation of Øyvind Kvalvik (Deputy Director, Norwegian Defence Material Agency) and Lieutenant General Gert Nultsch (Deputy Director General & Head of Investment, Norwegian Defence Material Agency) highlights the importance of this forum, Øie adds. – The conference provided valuable insight into procurement regulations and Germany’s interest in the Nordic market. It also reinforced the belief that SMEs have a place in offset agreements. Having the opportunity to showcase our company in such an arena is extremely valuable, Øie concludes. Great Interest – We are positively surprised by the number of visitors at our booth, say Torbjørn Houge and Jostein Markussen from Maritime Robotics. Torbjørn Houge is Senior Technology Director, Defence & Security, and Jostein Markussen is Sales Manager at the company. – There is significant interest in both our booth and our products. We have gathered many leads that we will follow up on once we return to Norway. We also attended last year, and we see even greater interest this year. This is partly due to improvements in our booth design, and we also see that the pavilion attracts a lot of attention, Houge and Markussen explain. Jo Nordvoll, Sales Manager at Inission Løkken. Photo: Torbjørn Lundberg, Proneo Joint Norwegian Pavilion – It was an excellent day for us, says Jo Nordvoll, Sales Manager at Inission Løkken, a NORDSEC member company. – We spoke with many interesting and relevant visitors. Our strategy at such exhibitions is to have some team members stationed at the booth while others actively seek out potential customers and partners. That’s why we have four representatives this year, working in pairs. Our main focus is networking and identifying new clients, he explains. – We experience a significant advantage in exhibiting alongside other Norwegian companies under a large Norwegian flag rather than blending into the crowd with a small individual stand. We also notice that visitors who are not interested in our technology often get redirected to other Norwegian exhibitors within the pavilion, benefiting the entire group from Trøndelag, Nordvoll adds. The German-Nordic Defence Industry Dialogue at Enforce Tac 2025 marks an important milestone for Nordic defence industry collaboration – and a strong foundation for further cooperation. Participants Among the participants at NORDSEC's pavilion we'll find Euroheater, Maritime Robotics, Hansen Protection, Barents Outdoor, Oskar Pedersen AS, Bergans, Cinderella, Devold of Norway, Rapid Rappel, Aclima, Squarehead Technologies, Norwegian Tactical Concepts, Solid Ground AS, RITEK, Safe Solutions, Biodrone, Norse Consepts AS, Storm Defense, Cold Skills AS, Inission, Proneo og Radionor.
The course is conducted in Norwegian. NORDSEC, i samarbeid med Sopra Steria, Certes og Fremtidens Industri, inviterer til kurs i helhetlig og grunnleggende sikkerhetsopplæring. Gjennom tre frittstående moduler får deltakerne en solid forståelse av sikkerhetsprinsipper, trusselvurdering og krav til etterlevelse av internasjonale standarder. Kurset gir praktiske verktøy for å styrke sikkerheten i egen organisasjon og tilpasse seg dagens trusselbilde. Les mer og meld deg på
Les saken på norsk Dual-use refers to technology, products, or knowledge that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. Ocean Autonomy Cluster and NORDSEC Defence and Security Cluster are now launching XLRTR, a business development program for companies looking to explore and establish themselves in the market for technology and solutions with both civilian and military applications. “Dual-use” is a key concept in Europe these days. Every country recognizes the need to strengthen both defense and societal preparedness, and most signal that deliveries from SMEs engaged in dual-use are a vital resource in this landscape,” says Ebbe Deraas, Cluster Manager at NORDSEC. Norway is no exception. Supporting relevant companies in positioning themselves for this market is therefore highly beneficial, he adds. “From the defense sector, we see a continuously growing demand for the technology our member companies provide,” says Frode Halvorsen, Cluster Manager at Ocean Autonomy Cluster. World-Class Technology Both industry clusters have a range of member companies developing world-leading technology within surveillance, detection, maritime technology, communication, and autonomy. The program takes participants through a structured process, starting with a preliminary study and company analysis to map technology, market position, and growth potential. Fremtidens Industri (FI) is well-positioned to develop dual-use opportunities through its broad industry reach and cross-sectoral network. With member companies spanning defense, maritime, energy, autonomy, and digitalization, FI connects technology development, capital, and market opportunities across industries. With extensive experience in innovation projects and cluster development, FI has helped companies successfully scale their technology into new markets, including the defense and security sectors. The XLRTR program builds on this expertise by providing companies with strategic tools, commercialization expertise, and networks to help them realize their potential in a demanding yet highly attractive market. Business Development and Growth Strategy Defense, security, and preparedness is a demanding market. With the combined experience and expertise of both the defense sector in NORDSEC and the ocean technology sector in Ocean Autonomy Cluster, we can now offer a scaling program that helps companies grow and expand effectively, says Halvorsen. Through XLRTR, companies gain insights into how they can develop and adapt their business models for the dual-use market. Innovation and specialization are central, and the program facilitates the development of solutions tailored to different sectors. Participants also gain a deeper understanding of regulatory requirements, financing opportunities, and market dynamics. “XLRTR will be an essential initiative for companies developing civilian technology with potential military applications and considering entering the defense and security sector,” says Eirik Hovstein. Hovstein is the co-founder and Deputy CEO for Security and Preparedness at Maritime Robotics AS, a successful company based in Trøndelag. There are many pitfalls in this market, so XLRTR will be an invaluable resource for member companies, he adds. Eirik Hovstein, co-founder and deputy CEO at Maritime Robotics. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Networking, Capital, and Visibility Business law, systems, and routines are crucial elements in ensuring companies have a solid foundation for growth. Testing and piloting validate the technology in relevant environments. The program also provides participants with tools for market development and internationalization, helping them position themselves both nationally and globally. XLRTR grants access to a broad network of relevant partners and investors, incorporating strategies for capital acquisition and commercial scaling. Communication strategy and business development play a key role in strengthening companies’ visibility and competitiveness in a demanding market. Who Can Participate? XLRTR is designed for technology companies, suppliers, and businesses aiming to enter a market with significant opportunities and high demands. The program equips participants with both the expertise and network needed for success. Want to Learn More? 📞 Frode Halvorsen Cluster Manager, Ocean Autonomy Cluster +47 918 45 969 | frode@fi-nor.no 📞 Ebbe Deraas Cluster Manager, NORDSEC Defence and Security Cluster +47 400 21 020 | ebbe@fi-nor.no NORDSEC Defence and Security Cluster
Les saken på norsk MIDSEC Defence and Security Cluster is changing its name to NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster. The new name reflects the cluster's focus on Nordic collaboration and international partnerships within defense and security. The name change marks a new chapter for our organization, says NORDSEC leader Ebbe Deraas. NORDSEC aims to be a leading player in the development of innovative solutions and emerging technologies to address future defense challenges. We will continue to support our members with resources, networks, and insights while strengthening collaboration across the Nordics, says Deraas. As NORDSEC, the cluster is already engaged in several key arenas, such as the international Enforce Tac exhibition and the annual Defense Conference, where members can showcase technology, build networks, and create new opportunities. NORDSEC and Ocean Autonomy Cluster are part of FI - Fremtidens Industri. For more information, visit nordsec-cluster.no.
Les saken på norsk What does modern warfare look like with increasingly intelligent technology? Members of the Ocean Autonomy Cluster and NORDSEC, along with employees and clients of Maritime Robotics, gained deeper insights into this topic when Rikke Seehuus from the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) and Camilla Guldahl Cooper from the Norwegian Defence University College shared their thoughts on autonomous systems in military operations. New Technology Changes the Game “There is a big difference between what is legal and what is possible,” said Rikke Seehuus, Research Leader at FFI. Autonomous vehicles are becoming increasingly advanced and can already perform tasks that previously required significant human effort. She highlighted that the future isn’t just about autonomous technology but also about heterogeneous systems working together. Camilla Guldahl Cooper is professor at the Norwegian Defence University College. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Why Autonomy? Autonomy can help address several challenges, said Camilla Guldahl Cooper. Autonomous systems can handle dangerous, dirty, or tedious tasks while also improving military efficiency. The OODA loop (“observe, orient, decide, act”) enables faster and smarter decision-making. “Air and sea operations are simpler than land operations, but autonomy can also be applied in cyber, logistics, and medical support,” Cooper said. She emphasized that the technology is not just about performing old tasks faster but rethinking them entirely. Rikke Seehuus leads research on autonomous systems at FFI. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Ethical Dilemmas and Legal Boundaries What happens when machines take over more tasks? This raises significant questions, especially around accountability. “Humans are always responsible for the use of military force, no matter how advanced the technology is,” Cooper stressed. She underscored that autonomous systems must be developed within clear ethical and legal frameworks to ensure accountability and trust. “The technology provides flexibility and efficiency while also enhancing the ability to protect civilians in conflict zones,” Cooper added. Research That Delivers Results FFI conducts research specifically on autonomous systems designed for demanding conditions. “Through our research, we identify what is realistic and what can be further developed by the industry,” Seehuus said. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in this development. These smaller companies often have quicker processes and the ability to adapt to new demands. “The war in Ukraine has demonstrated how crucial both rapid development and fast update cycles are,” she added. About the Speakers Rikke Seehuus leads research on autonomous systems at FFI and holds a PhD in Computer Science. Camilla Guldahl Cooper is an expert in operational law at the Norwegian Defence University College and holds a PhD in international law. Together, they offer a unique perspective on how technology can shape the future of military operations. They are both co-authors of the book Autonomy in Military Operations.
In collaboration with MIDSEC/NORDSEC and the Norwegian-German Chamber of Commerce, we invite you to join a study tour to Nuremberg and Munich, February 23–26, 2025. This exclusive trip offers a unique opportunity to delve into the German defence and security industry through on-site company visits, participation in Enforce Tac 2025, and engagement in the German-Nordic Defence Industry Dialogue. Enforce Tac, held in Nuremberg, Germany, is one of the world’s leading defence and security trade fairs. The tour provides an unparalleled chance to gain deep insights into the German market, meet key players, and learn about the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. Why Should You Attend? The goal of this visit is to provide you with essential information about the market, current trends, and upcoming innovations. You will have the opportunity to expand your knowledge and network by meeting prominent German and Nordic stakeholders in the defence and security sector. Read more and attend