The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) will have an open presence at Forsvarskonferansen – Nordic Defence and Security Conference 2026, providing companies with guidance on the current threat picture and how they can strengthen their security.
PST has cooperated with Forsvarskonferansen since its first edition. This year, the cooperation is being strengthened as the security environment has become more challenging and more Norwegian companies are entering the defence and dual-use markets.
“We see that the current situation, both internationally and in Norway, makes this an important arena for us. It is therefore important that we cooperate with the conference and contribute to explaining the current threat picture and providing decision support,” says Per Einar Hollum of PST.
PST will have its own stand at the conference, giving exhibitors and participants an opportunity to meet representatives from the security service and discuss security and intelligence-related questions.
PST has warned that it expects increased activity in Norway from Russian intelligence services in 2026. Norwegian companies contributing to Ukraine, supplying the defence sector or developing dual-use technology may be relevant intelligence targets.
In July, PST strengthened its assessment concerning the threat of sabotage against companies supplying the defence industry. Hollum says PST has not identified any specific sabotage incidents targeting Norwegian defence-industry companies in this context so far.
“Norway and Norwegian companies provide important contributions to Ukraine, with a direct impact on Ukraine’s defence capability and resilience. At the same time, the defence industry in Norway is growing significantly. Based on our threat assessments, companies in this sector can be attractive intelligence targets for Russia,” Hollum says.
PST’s approach is preventive: helping companies understand their vulnerabilities, recognise potential warning signs and know when to seek advice.
“An important part of our work is creating awareness of the threat picture, so that companies understand their own values and vulnerabilities and are better able to protect themselves,” Hollum says.
Potential indicators can include unusual activity around company premises, unexplained technical incidents, increased interest in employees through social media, approaches from unknown individuals at conferences, or unusual interest from new customers.
Per Einar Hollum, head of PST in Trøndelag. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri
Forsvarskonferansen has grown significantly since its first edition. More than 800 participants and around 120 exhibiting companies are expected this year.
“This is the seventh year we have organised Forsvarskonferansen, and it has experienced tremendous growth. Around 60–70 per cent of the participants are from the business community,” says Ebbe Deraas, head of Forsvarskonferansen.
He sees PST’s presence as particularly relevant for companies moving from civilian markets into defence.
“Many companies entering the defence sector may not be fully aware of the threats they could face. Having PST available and accessible at the conference is therefore very useful,” Deraas says.
Export controls will also be among the issues addressed by PST.
“The export control regulations are quite strict, and this is an important message we will bring to the conference,” Hollum says.
With English as the working language for the first time, and participants and companies from across the Nordic countries and Europe, Forsvarskonferansen has developed into an international meeting place for the defence and security ecosystem.
“As the threat picture has developed, our cooperation with Forsvarskonferansen has also increased. We now see that the situation makes it appropriate for us to have an open presence at the conference,” Hollum says.
Forsvarskonferansen – Nordic Defence and Security Conference 2026 takes place at Scandic Hell on 22–23 September.