Drone and AI specialist Tiepoint AS has joined the NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster strengthening collaboration on drone operations, artificial intelligence, and next-generation defence technology.
Based in Andenes in Northern Norway, Tiepoint employs 25 people and has a pool of over 100 pilots operating under its EASA Specific LUC approval. They works across the full spectrum of drone operations, from AI-driven system development and operational services to professional training.
Managing Director Mats Mikalsen Kristensen says the company sees strong value in joining a collaborative defence ecosystem.
“We are excited to join NORDSEC and connect with companies and organizations working to strengthen defence and civil security capabilities. The cluster gives us access to relevant projects, stakeholders and collaboration partners,” says Kristensen.
Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri
Tiepoint has been part of the aerospace environment at Andøya for decades and was established as a joint venture between Andøya Space and Sundt Air. The company brings extensive operational experience from long-range drone missions in Arctic environments, where satellite communication, weather, and geomagnetic conditions create demanding constraints.
This operational grounding has become increasingly relevant as drone warfare evolves rapidly.
During the NORDSEC EUDIS Defence Hackathon 2026 in Trondheim, Tiepoint demonstrated how that experience translates into scalable defence capability. The company secured first place with an AI-driven interception solution designed to address a growing gap in airspace defence.
Instead of relying on highly trained FPV pilots, the system allows an operator to designate a target while onboard AI calculates and executes the interception in real time. Using reinforcement learning and large-scale simulation, the system continuously improves performance across scenarios.
The projected impact is significant: higher interception success rates, reduced costs, and far less dependence on elite operators.
See also: Tiepoint donates hackathon prize to support Ukraine
Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri
At the core of Tiepoint’s offering is the combination of drone-collected data, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics.
The company develops bespoke AI systems for both civilian and defence, from ISR and Search and Rescue to environmental monitoring and geospatial analysis.
“We want to contribute by sharing knowledge and best practices within drone operations. For relevant projects, we can also provide access to our AI data center, which is the largest in Norway specifically designed for AI development for drones,” says Kristensen.
This dual capability—operational experience combined with advanced AI infrastructure—positions Tiepoint as a contributor to both experimentation and deployment within the cluster.
Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri
Tiepoint’s technology development is closely informed by real-world operational demands. The company has established collaboration with Ukrainian units supported by Fritt Ukraina, gaining first-hand insight into frontline needs.
That connection was reflected in a recent decision to donate the full €6,000 first prize from the NORDSEC EUDIS Defence Hackathon to the organisation.
“This is technology developed to solve real challenges in war. It feels right that the prize also goes directly to those facing these realities every day,” says Kristensen.
The contribution supports air defence initiatives and underlines a broader commitment: aligning technology development with actual operational impact.
See also: How Norwegian and European teams are solving the future of drone warfare
Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri
Through its membership, Tiepoint aims to contribute both operational expertise and advanced AI development capacity to collaborative initiatives across NORDSEC.
The company now also advances to the European EUDIS programme, where it will further develop its interception solution alongside top teams from across Europe.
Tiepoint’s entry into the cluster reinforces a broader trend: defence innovation increasingly driven by actors combining real-world operational experience with scalable, software-defined capability.
Within NORDSEC, that combination is central to building a more agile and responsive defence and security ecosystem.