A delegation from the Zaporizhzhia region in Ukraine recently visited Trøndelag. The background for the visit is the cooperation agreement that makes Trøndelag a friendship region with Zaporizhzhia.

One objective of the visit was to gain a better understanding of Norwegian defence and technology environments. One of several stops on the programme was therefore a visit to NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster, where the delegation received presentations from member companies Eelume, Maritime Robotics, Blueye Robotics and Biodrone.

Vegard Forbord, Biodrone. Foto: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

Autonomous mine countermeasures from Trøndelag

The project presented during the visit is based on the new unmanned surface vessel Eelume WP960, developed by Eelume in cooperation with Maritime Robotics. The vessel can operate fully autonomously but can also be crewed when needed. It functions as a flexible surface platform for underwater operations, including mine detection.

The companies demonstrated how different unmanned vehicles can work together to carry out effective mine countermeasure operations across large maritime areas without putting human lives at risk.

Foto: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri 

From the vessel, a “swarm” of underwater drones can be deployed, including the Eelume S All-Terrain AUV together with underwater drones from Blueye Robotics. These systems collect large volumes of sensor data from the seabed, while Biodrone has developed artificial intelligence capable of analysing the data and automatically identifying mines and other threats.

Together, this forms a coordinated interaction between autonomous systems above and below the water, enabling a more efficient, precise and flexible approach to mine countermeasures and other demanding subsea operations.

Biodrone also presented how they are already using drones and AI to detect mines in Ukraine today.

The Ukrainian representatives showed strong interest and asked a number of questions about the capabilities and technologies presented during the visit.

See also: Launching a new unmanned surface vessel for mine countermeasures

Foto: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri 

Primary schools built underground

During an information meeting at Statens Hus in Trondheim, attended by a broad audience, the Ukrainian representatives shared experiences and powerful stories from everyday life during the war. More than 70 percent of Zaporizhzhia is now occupied, and many cities and villages lie in ruins. The representatives also explained that primary schools are now being built underground in order to maintain education and protect children from Russian bombing.

“It is absolutely necessary to continue education even under such conditions so that children can maintain a sense of normality,” they told the audience in Trondheim.

They also highlighted the importance of resilience, energy security and functioning healthcare services, as well as support measures for families who have lost loved ones.

“It is impossible to fully prepare for such a situation, and without functioning energy systems and healthcare services we will not be able to help people,” another representative emphasized.

Fylkesordfører Tomas Iver Hallem var vert for delegasjonen. Foto: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri 

Broad cooperation ahead

The Trøndelag–Ukraine project is still in its early phase, and the delegation also visited Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), where a letter of intent on future cooperation was signed.

The delegation was led by County Mayor Thomas Iver Hallem, who also hosted the visit from Zaporizhzhia.

Forsvarskoordinator Trøndelag, Jens Junge. Foto: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri 

“This was an initial meeting. As we move forward with the main project, we want to involve a broader range of actors from the business community,” said defence coordinator Jens Junge.

“We were able to discuss opportunities for cooperation and how we can do something together. For our member companies in NORDSEC, it is important to establish contacts with end users in Zaporizhzhia so that both we and the companies in the cluster can benefit from this going forward,” said Ebbe Deraas of NORDSEC.

Ebbe Deraas, NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri 

The visit marks an important first step in a long-term collaboration aimed at strengthening expertise and operational capacity in maritime autonomy and defence technology. It also demonstrates how Norwegian companies and research environments can contribute to international knowledge exchange and cooperation, even under demanding conditions.

“We want to contribute to the cooperation project between Trøndelag and Zaporizhzhia, and we believe our member companies can offer relevant expertise and technology,” Deraas added.

See also: Ukraine’s ambassador visited Trondheim and defence companies

Photos from the visit

Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri