NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster led a strong Norwegian delegation to the Supply, Security & Defence Expo (SSD Expo) in Tallinn, Estonia, on June 10–11. The event is among the largest defence and security industry gatherings in the Baltics, bringing together suppliers, defence authorities, decision-makers and end users from across the region.

Through a Norwegian pavilion featuring eleven member companies, the delegation showcased technologies and solutions to an international audience while building relationships with potential customers and partners from across the NATO alliance.

Bjørn Nordvik, International Sales Director, Podtown. Photo: NORDSEC

The participating companies were Maritime Robotics AS, Eelume AS, Graphene Composites Ltd, Ulstein Betongindustri AS, PODTOWN AS, Oskar Pedersen AS, Antisink AS, Barents Outdoor, Supercap Technologies, SentiSystems, Protex, LGR Technologies, Blumags and REBS.

“SSD Expo has quickly established itself as a highly important meeting place for the defence industry in Northern Europe. We see this event as an important opportunity to strengthen Nordic-Baltic cooperation while helping our member companies gain visibility in international markets, build relationships and identify new opportunities for exports and collaboration,” says Tevje Ravn Eggan, Cluster Manager at NORDSEC.

CEO Arne Kjørsvik presenting SentiSystems. Photo: NORDSEC

Executive Partner at a leading Nordic-Baltic defence event

NORDSEC participated in SSD Expo as an Executive Partner, underlining the cluster's commitment to strengthening industrial cooperation across the Nordic-Baltic region. The role gave NORDSEC a prominent presence throughout both the conference and exhibition programme, including participation in panel discussions focused on regional defence cooperation.

The cluster's delegation engaged with defence organisations, government agencies, military representatives and industry stakeholders from across Northern Europe, creating a valuable platform for dialogue and business development.

Eelume E. Photo: NORDSEC

An important arena for Nordic-Baltic cooperation

The event places a strong emphasis on cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries through the NB8 framework. Together, the region represents around 30 million people and has gained increasing strategic importance as Europe's security environment continues to evolve.

During the expo, NORDSEC also contributed to the conference programme through presentations and panel discussions focused on Nordic-Baltic cooperation. The Norwegian Ambassador to Estonia officially opened the Norwegian pavilion, which brought together member companies from across the defence and security industry.

Andreas Tidemann Øygarden, Defence Attaché (based in Helsinki), Ebbe Deraas (NORDSEC), Jan Flæte, Deputy Head of Mission at the Norwegian Embassy in Tallinn, Sigmund Henningsen and Arne Kjørsvik, Senti Systems. Photo: NORDSEC

“When the Nordic and Baltic countries stand together, we represent significant defence and industrial capabilities. We share many of the same security challenges, whether related to the Arctic, maritime operations or strengthening NATO’s eastern flank. That is why cooperation between our countries is becoming increasingly important,” says Eggan.

Carol Jarvest, Marketing Director & Co-founder in Graphene Composites. Photo: NORDSEC

Creating new opportunities for member companies

A key objective of participating in SSD Expo was to provide member companies with access to new markets, customers and collaboration opportunities. The delegation included companies specialising in autonomous systems, maritime technology, sensors, advanced materials and protective equipment.

Over two intensive days, the companies met representatives from defence organisations, industry and government agencies from across the region.

“We hope our companies return home with new leads, new partnerships and a better understanding of market needs. Equally important is the opportunity to validate their technologies and solutions with potential customers and end users,” says Eggan.

Ebbe Deraas presenting NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster. Photo: NORDSEC

Strengthening collaboration within the cluster

For NORDSEC, international delegation visits are also about strengthening cooperation between member companies.

The companies participated in joint activities throughout the event, including networking sessions and meetings with representatives from both industry and government.

“There is tremendous value in travelling as a group. Companies get to know each other better, identify new opportunities for collaboration and present themselves as part of a Norwegian and Nordic ecosystem. That provides a much stronger impact than if each company were attending on its own,” says Eggan.

Maritime Robotics Mariner USV. Photo: NORDSEC

The Baltics are becoming increasingly important

The Baltic states and Finland form a key part of NATO’s eastern flank, and the region is playing an increasingly important role in European security and preparedness.

For Norwegian defence companies, the region represents both an important market and a natural arena for cooperation.

Several of the participating companies are also expected to attend the upcoming Forsvarskonferansen - Nordic Defence and Security Conference in September, further strengthening their visibility and engagement within the Nordic defence ecosystem.

“The Nordic and Baltic countries share many common interests and operational challenges. We have vast maritime areas, demanding environmental conditions and a shared need to strengthen our defence capabilities. Events such as SSD Expo are therefore essential for building relationships and developing new cross-border cooperation projects,” says Eggan.

Erik Bjørgo,  CTO, LGr Technologies. Photo: NORDSEC

Planning already underway for 2027

The next SSD Expo will take place in Riga in 2027, with organisers expecting significant growth in both exhibitors and visitors.

NORDSEC has already initiated cooperation with Finnish partners for a joint presence at the next event.

“There is strong interest in Nordic defence industry capabilities. Norwegian companies possess technology and expertise that are highly relevant to our allies. That is why it is essential that we are present in the arenas where future partnerships and procurement opportunities are being shaped,” says Eggan.

Ebbe Deraas, Head of Forsvarskonferansen Nordic Defence and Security Cluster delivers impressing entertainment at evening dinner. Photo: NORDSEC