Norway must strengthen defence cooperation, reduce critical dependencies and build the industrial capacity to produce at scale, Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik said at Forsvarskonferansen – Nordic Defence and Security Conference 2026.

Speaking at the conference in Stjørdal, Sandvik outlined how Norway is adapting to a more challenging security environment, together with its Nordic allies and through increased investment in defence, technology and industry.

“Production capacity is not only crucial for our defence, it is a part of our deterrence.”

Sandvik pointed to the war in Ukraine as a demonstration of how quickly technology, tactics and production requirements can change. He highlighted the importance of drones, long-range strike capabilities and the ability to innovate and scale production.

Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik holds his keynote address, semiannual report. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

“Ukraine is demonstrating innovation at a speed we have not seen before,” Sandvik said. “Development can fail fast, test, learn, adjust far quicker than in peacetime procurement.”

He also described the war as an industrial and logistical challenge, with major implications for European defence planning.

“We need air defence and we need interceptors,” he said, pointing to Norway’s work on Project Freya and the development of lower-cost ballistic missiles. “This is an industrial and logistics war.”

Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

A stronger Nordic defence

Sandvik emphasised that Norway’s security depends on close cooperation with its Nordic and other NATO allies. With Finland and Sweden now members of NATO, the Nordic region has become a more integrated area for defence planning, mobility and operations.

He highlighted several areas where Norway is developing closer industrial and military cooperation with allies. These include six submarines in cooperation with Germany, with Canada potentially joining, five frigates with the United Kingdom and up to 28 standardised coastal vessels.

“We are looking at joint development, joint procurement and joint maintenance,” Sandvik said.

He also pointed to the potential of autonomous systems and underwater drones, describing the development of an “Atlantic Bastion”, as well as the growing importance of space capabilities, launch capacity and Norway’s space industry and ground stations.

Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

Civilian competence as a defence resource

For Sandvik, the defence build-up is not solely a task for the traditional defence industry. Norway’s civilian industrial base will also be important.

“Civilian maritime, offshore and subsea competence is highly relevant to defence,” he said, highlighting the potential for dual-use technology and capabilities developed in civilian markets.

He also stressed that Norway needs both large established companies and smaller businesses that can contribute technology, innovation and production capacity.

“Dual use is not just a good idea,” Sandvik said.

The government will present an updated defence industrial strategy later this autumn. According to Sandvik, the strategy will place greater emphasis on security of supply, industrial security, innovation, a broader industrial base and increased production capacity.

Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

Long-term commitments

Sandvik argued that building production capacity requires predictable demand and long-term commitments from the defence sector.

“Single grants do not build factories. Multi-year commitments do,” he said.

Norway’s defence budget has increased from NOK 65 billion in 2021 to NOK 112 billion in 2026, while military support to Ukraine amounts to NOK 70 billion in 2026. Sandvik linked the increased spending to fundamental changes in how Norway approaches defence and deterrence.

Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

His conclusion was direct:

“We are rearming to avoid war.”

Sandvik acknowledged that spending five per cent of GDP on defence and security represents a significant cost, but argued that the cost must be viewed against the consequences of war.

Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri