Defence and space

Norway’s defence industry has a well-established tradition of providing specialised, cutting-edge solutions for larger systems of key defence material suppliers in allied nations. It has been a consistent destination for foreign direct investment from defence and security industry players for decades.

Norway’s attractiveness as a destination for defence and security industry investments is rooted in its trusted role, particularly as a NATO ally. Moreover, its challenging maritime conditions have fostered the development of specialised competence areas and ecosystems, which complement allied defence industry capabilities rather than competing with them.

With a strong and consistent export share of 80 per cent, Norway’s defence and security industry has become a reliable partner in an allied context.

Norway is committed to innovation and technological advancement. Key areas of competence, which are aligned with the Norwegian Government’s goals for industry development as outlined in White Paper No. 17 (2020-21), include:

• Command and control, information, decision support, and combat systems
• Systems integration
• Autonomous systems and artificial intelligence
• Missile technology
• Underwater technology
• Ammunition, propulsion technologies, and military explosives
• Materials technology developed or refined for military use
• Lifecycle support for military systems

A trusted public-private platform fosters collaboration in developing new defence capabilities through a tripartite collaboration between the defence industry, the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI). This collaboration enhances Norway’s attractiveness as an investment destination and facilitates relevant dual-use applications in a defence context.

Existing and upcoming accelerator programmes in a national context, ICEworx by FFI, and an allied context, NATO DIANA, offer developers of innovative solutions a gateway into environments where these capabilities can be tested and enhanced. This defence innovation system can lead to direct or indirect market access through references.

Based on a special assignment from the Norwegian Ministry of Defence and strong strategic collaboration with relevant ecosystems and organisations, Innovation Norway offers potential foreign direct investors guidance and door-opening services to smooth the way to a positive decision and successful investment in the defence and security industry in Norway.

Innovation Norway also offers export promotion tools specifically for the defence and security industry, providing support to companies seeking Norwegian access to a demanding allied market. In addition, Innovation Norway offers financial support for development and longer-lasting market ramp-up to companies based in Norway, including suitable foreign direct investment objects.

Norway has Industrial Cooperation Agreements with countries that purchase defence equipment above a certain value. These agreements involve obligations for the selling country to invest in Norwegian industry, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Innovation Norway plays a vital role in facilitating projects accepted under Industrial Cooperation Agreements, offering a range of services to support obligors in fulfilling their obligations and maximising the benefits of these agreements for Norwegian businesses.

How Invest in Norway can help

By leveraging Invest in Norway’s expertise and resources, obligors can effectively meet their Industrial Cooperation obligations while fostering innovation and growth in the Norwegian defence sector.

Read more about Industrial Cooperation Agreements on the Norwegian Ministry of Defence’s website

Norway’s space industry has experienced significant growth and transformation in recent years, solidifying its position as a key player in the global space sector. By leveraging its unique geographical location, technological expertise and strategic partnerships, Norway is making significant strides in space exploration and utilisation.

The Norwegian space industry now comprises over 40 companies, ranging from large corporations to innovative startups, spread across the country. These companies are involved in diverse areas, from satellite communications to specialised space research equipment, with operations spanning from Antarctica to Svalbard.

In 2023, Norway marked a major milestone with the opening of Andøya Spaceport, the first orbital launch site in continental Europe. Its inaugural launch took place on 30 March 2025, with the first flight of German launch-service provider Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum rocket. The spaceport’s strategic location, 300 km within the Arctic Circle, makes it ideal for reaching polar and sun-synchronous orbits.

In a move to enhance international cooperation, Norway signed a Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) with the United States in January 2025. This agreement facilitates the launch of US payloads from Andøya Spaceport, opening up new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

The Norwegian-German agreement on space cooperation, formalised through a letter of intent signed in December 2024, marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral space defence efforts. This agreement lays the foundation for collaboration across various areas, including space operations, defence industrial initiatives and satellite launches from Andøya Spaceport.

The Norwegian Government has demonstrated strong support for the space industry, allocating substantial funding for its development. In addition to the initial NOK 365 million (roughly USD 35 million) for Andøya Spaceport, an extra NOK 200 million (roughly USD 19 million) has been appropriated in the defence budget for 2024 and 2025 to enable military use of the facility.

A key aim of Norway’s space strategy is to position Norway to launch allied payloads and support “responsive space”. The focus of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ Long-Term Plan for 2024–2036 on advancing military space operations aligns with this goal, enabling Norway to play a crucial role in providing rapid and flexible space-based services to allies. The development of Andøya Spaceport is central to this strategy, offering a European launch site capable of supporting both commercial and military satellite deployments.

Space Norway has emerged as a dominant force in the Nordic space industry. In January 2024, it completed the acquisition of Telenor Satellite, significantly expanding its capabilities and market presence. This merger has created the largest satellite environment in Norway and a significant operator in Europe.

Another notable development is the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM), which became operational in December 2024. This project, involving two satellites in orbit over the North Pole, is a collaboration between the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, Space Norway, the US Space Force, and Viasat.

Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) has further strengthened Norway’s position in the global space industry by securing a contract with NASA to provide critical space-to-ground communication services for the Near Space Network (NSN). KSAT’s services ensure reliable communication for space missions, and this agreement underscores Norway’s growing importance in international space operations.

The Norwegian Armed Forces’ Long-Term Plan for 2024–2036, which has been approved by the parliament, outlines a strategic focus on space capabilities. With a substantial increase in defence expenditure of approximately NOK 600 billion (roughly USD 57 billion) over the 12-year period, the LTP emphasises the development of military space operations and establishment of new satellite systems.

These developments highlight Norway’s strategic focus on space as a key industry for economic growth, national security and technological innovation.

The country’s expertise in telecommunications, earth observation and maritime surveillance continues to drive its space industry forward, with companies like Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace and EIDEL playing pivotal roles.

As the industry evolves, Norway is leveraging its strengths in high technology and specialised expertise to compete in the global market. The synergy between the offshore industry and space technology is a unique advantage, fostering innovation and cross-sector applications.