Patrick Key
National security is more critical than it has been in decades, a fact clearly reflected in the Norwegian government's historic long-term defence funding plan.
The long-term defence funding plan, adopted by the Norwegian Parliament on 4 June 2024, is a comprehensive plan to enhance Norway's defence capability over a twelve-year period from 2025 to 2036, with a total investment of NOK 1635 billion. This initiative aims to modernise the Norwegian Armed Forces and boost Norway's ability to address both current and future security challenges.
Following the defence funding plan, there is growing interest among suppliers looking to position themselves within the defence and security market. In response to these upcoming demands, partners Hedvig Moe and Pål Lieungh have established a dedicated team focused on defense and security. The team provides a combination of legal expertise with extensive experience from the Norwegian Armed Forces.
– Companies seek advice to identify their strengths, assess risks, and optimise their positioning with the Armed Forces. The long-term defence investment plan underscores the need for thorough guidance, enabling suppliers to take the necessary steps to remain competitive in meeting the Armed Forces' requirements, Hedvig adds.
Demanding procurement processes in the coming years
Pål emphasises how Norway stands on the verge of significant acquisitions for the Armed Forces. He explains that the Armed Forces will face demanding procurement processes in the coming years, which must be managed efficiently and in a structured manner to ensure success.
– We assist both private and public entities on the supplier side in these procurement processes Our focus is to help them navigate the complex demands of operating in a highly security-sensitive environment. At the heart of our approach is to combine our legal advice with a profound understanding of national security issues in the Norwegian context, Hedvig adds.
Nordic joint procurement
With Sweden and Finland now members of NATO, there is likely to be an increased focus on Nordic cooperation. The long-term defence funding plan should therefore be seen in an international context.
– We expect more joint Nordic procurements in the future, they conclude.
Interested in learning more about our services within defence and security? See the fact boxes below.
Defence procurements and classified procurements
Defence procurements are frequently subject to specific regulations, as well as provisions of the Norwegian Security Act. We assist suppliers and contracting authorities throughout the process, ensuring compliance with the Norwegian Security Act, including risk assessments, facility security clearances, and management of sensitive information.
IT projects in the defence and security sector
IT projects in the defence sector face unique challenges in relation to cybersecurity, protection of critical infrastructure, and the safeguarding of classified information. Our team has extensive experience with digital projects that require high levels of security, and we provide advisory services ensuring compliance with both national and international security standards.
Defence contracts
We provide tailored advice for complex defence contracts and assist in contract negotiations. Our guidance helps suppliers understand and comply with the specific security requirements associated with being a supplier to the Norwegian defence sector.
Transactions involving parties in the defence and security sector
We provide expertise in due diligence and transactions involving acquisitions and investments in defence sector entities. This includes foreign direct investment (FDI) requirements, assessment of specific security risks related to a transaction, compliance with the Norwegian Security Act, and evaluating risks concerning potential government intervention on national security grounds.
Strategic advice on threat and risk landscapes
We offer strategic advice on how an evolving threat landscape may impact businesses. This includes helping defence sector actors stay ahead of regulatory developments and adapt accordingly. We also assist in identifying commercial opportunities and offer advice on how businesses may capitalise commercially on emerging trends.
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