Defence and space

Norway has a strong ecosystem for developing technologies with both civilian and defence applications. Companies are advancing solutions in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, sensors, advanced communications and data-driven technologies that can be deployed across multiple industries and operational environments.

Norwegian companies develop and test technologies in some of the world’s most demanding conditions, including the Arctic, offshore, maritime and remote environments. This has resulted in robust, high-performance solutions designed for reliability, resilience and operational effectiveness.

The industry benefits from close collaboration between defence authorities, research institutions, technology companies and industrial clusters. This ecosystem accelerates innovation, facilitates testing and validation and helps bring new capabilities to market faster.

Norway’s defence and space industry is expanding rapidly, supported by significant national defence investments and growing exports. Norwegian solutions are already used in more than 50 countries.

Norway combines advanced satellite services, space infrastructure, earth observation, secure communications and situational awareness capabilities. These technologies play an increasingly important role in defence, security, maritime operations, environmental monitoring and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Norwegian industry is renowned for its excellent health and safety record.

The country also supports research on health, safety and the working environment (HSE), both for preventative measures and to gain insight into the importance of HSE for innovation, creativity, productivity and participation in working life.

Norwegian workers are trustworthy and well-educated, with a strong sense of autonomy. Exceptional critical thinking skills enable them to work independently and solve problems. As a result, companies can employ fewer workers in Norway, and many international companies find that labour costs are much lower than they assumed.

Industrial culture is built on trust, cooperation and a flat hierarchy, which also yields outstanding efficiency.

Norway has world-class infrastructure, especially digital infrastructure. The country tops digitalisation rankings in Europe, with nearly 100% Internet and mobile coverage and connectivity. Moreover, Norwegians are early adopters of digital technologies and possess outstanding digital skills.

Norway has strong R&D environments and industrial clusters throughout the country and government policies that support its major industries. Norway understands the value of international partnership and seeks it out.

While not an EU member, Norway is fully integrated into the European single market through the EEA Agreement.

Norway has a high level of political and social stability, consistently ranking among the world’s top countries for resiliency. The economy is strong and diverse as well.

Norway outperforms most other countries on the OECD’s Better Life Index. Along with a high standard of living, Norway offers a good work-life balance, public safety and a clean environment.

Excellent health care and higher education are available to all. Norway is known worldwide as a pioneer in gender equality, and provides generous family leave and universal, low-cost childcare.