Danske Bank is becoming the main partner for Forsvarskonferanse  – Nordic Defence and Security Conference. The partnership marks a strengthening of the connection between the financial sector and the defence and security industry, at a time when investment, preparedness, and industrial capacity are high on the agenda.

The Defence Conference – Nordic Defence and Security Conference has established itself as a key meeting place for actors within defence, security, industry, and technology. The conference brings together decision-makers, suppliers, start-ups, and public stakeholders to discuss trends, needs, and opportunities in a sector shaped by increasing geopolitical tension and rapid technological development.

“We are very pleased to have Danske Bank on board. Their Nordic footprint and international profile make Danske Bank a perfect partner for us,” says Ebbe Deraas, head of the conference.

He points out that cross-sector collaboration is becoming increasingly important: “The defence and security sector is developing rapidly, and the need for innovation, scaling, and collaboration is significant. Access to capital and financial services is crucial to succeed in developing a robust and future-oriented defence industry. With Danske Bank as main partner, we strengthen the conference’s role as a relevant arena for dialogue between industry, authorities, and finance.”

Interest in the sector now extends far beyond traditional defence suppliers. Nearly half of 800 surveyed Norwegian companies say they see their own products or services as potentially applicable to defence purposes, across industries and regions. This is shown in a survey conducted by Norstat on behalf of Danske Bank.

Ebbe Deraas, Head of the Defence Conference, and Ronny Junge-Larsen, Head of Corporate Banking in Norway at Danske Bank. Photo: Danske Bank

“When attention on the defence sector accelerates, it places new demands on us as a bank. We need to understand the challenges of a technology company or a supplier considering this sector for the first time, in the same way we know the established players. That is why we have built expert teams with specialised knowledge of the defence and security industry,” says Ronny Junge-Larsen, Head of Corporate Banking in Norway at Danske Bank.

The Defence Conference 2026 will be held as a two-day conference at Scandic Hell on 22–23 September. Here, key actors from across the Nordics will gather to discuss how the region can strengthen its defence and security capabilities in response to an increasingly demanding geopolitical landscape.

Through the partnership, Danske Bank aims to contribute to greater insight into financing needs in the sector, and facilitate further development of the Nordic defence and security industry.

“For us, the most important thing is to understand the real challenges companies in this sector face. A well-functioning business ecosystem around defence and security is part of what keeps Nordic societies resilient. Contributing to this development is something we see as part of our social responsibility,” says Junge-Larsen.

Contact

Ebbe Deraas, Head of the Defence Conference +47 400 21 020 ebbe@fi-nor.no