Nine member companies from NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster recently participated in the Norwegian Armed Forces Logistics Conference in Bardufoss, where they demonstrated technologies and solutions directly to operational logistics personnel within the Armed Forces.
The conference, organized by the Norwegian Armed Forces Logistics School in collaboration with the Logistics Battalion, gathered around 500 participants from across the defence sector. As part of the event, NORDSEC organized a dedicated demonstration session where selected representatives from the Armed Forces received presentations and live demonstrations from the companies.
– The theme of the conference was operational logistics, and we had the opportunity to gather a group of around 30–35 selected end users from the Armed Forces themselves. They received short presentations and demonstrations from the companies, and who were able to ask questions and engage in dialogue afterwards, says Torbjørn Lundberg, project manager at NORDSEC.
Among the participating companies were UGV Defence, Uncrew (AutoAgri), LGrTechnologies, Oskar Pedersen, Barents Outdoor, Euroheater, Ahlsell and Kverneland Energi.
Mathias Engh Thomassen, Business developer LESS AS. Photo: Tevje Ravn Eggan/Fremtidens Industri
Demonstrating dual-use technology
During the demonstrations, representatives from the Armed Forces were introduced to a wide range of technologies and solutions with both civilian and military applications.
Uncrew demonstrated its autonomous tractor equipped with a resupply trailer, while Euroheater showcased field stoves designed for demanding conditions. Ahlsell presented logistics solutions, and LGr Technologies demonstrated digital tripwire and sensor technology for detecting unwanted movement in tactical scenarios.
Several of the showcased products were originally developed for civilian markets, but clearly demonstrated potential applications within defence and preparedness.
– It became very clear how relevant dual-use technology is for the Armed Forces. A battery from Kverneland Energi may not seem particularly exciting in a civilian context, but when military personnel start looking at how it can be used operationally, it suddenly becomes highly interesting. The same applies to Uncrew’s autonomous tractor, which was originally developed for agriculture but can also support military operations with some modifications, says Lundberg.
Jostein Sandvik, Uncrew. Photo: Tevje Ravn Eggan/Fremtidens Industri
Important meeting place between industry and end users
According to Lundberg, feedback from the member companies was overwhelmingly positive. He highlights the value of direct dialogue with operational users within the Armed Forces.
– The companies are eager for feedback and interaction with end users. For many of them, this is a unique opportunity to better understand the actual needs of the Armed Forces, and to discover new applications for their products that they may not have considered themselves, he says.
He also emphasizes the importance of these arenas for the Armed Forces.
– The Armed Forces get to see technologies and solutions they may not have been aware of, while industry gains a better understanding of future needs and operational concepts. That benefits both sides, says Lundberg.
Thomas Sagvolden, Project manager at Oskar Pedersen AS and Euroheater 4D warming tent from Barents Outdoor. Photo: Tevje Ravn Eggan/Fremtidens Industri
Planning a larger event next year
This year’s demonstration marked the first time NORDSEC organized such an initiative in connection with the logistics conference in Bardufoss. The ambition is already to expand the concept next year.
– This was a pilot, but both the Armed Forces and the companies want this to grow further. The goal is to bring between 25 and 30 companies next year and make the event both larger and more comprehensive, says Lundberg.
He also explains that the Armed Forces logistics community plans to continue the dialogue with participating companies through webinars and information-sharing related to future logistics concepts and operational needs.
– If the Armed Forces become clearer about their future needs, it will also become easier for industry to develop solutions that truly match those requirements, he says.