Workshop: Doing Defence Business in Norway – Tips & Pitfalls
Are you considering entering the Norwegian defence market? Join this half-day workshop, specifically designed for newcomers aiming for a successful entry into Norway’s dynamic and evolving defence sector.
Date: Wednesday 27 August 2025
Time: kl. 08:30 – 12:00
Place: Brækhus Advokatfirma, Roald Amundsens gate 6, 0161 Oslo
This workshop offers practical insights for companies in the defence sector, particularly German defence companies, interested in establishing or expanding operations in Norway. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of Norway’s business landscape, legal and tax frameworks, and defence industry dynamics.
Agenda
An Introduction to Norway’s Business Environment (Speakers: Brækhus / AHK) An overview of the economic and regulatory climate in Norway, including key considerations for foreign businesses entering the market.
The Norwegian Defence Sector – Structure and Key Players (Speaker: Dr. Christian Wildhagen) A focused look at how the defence sector in Norway is organised, including major stakeholders, industry trends, and areas of opportunity.
Navigating Defence Tender Processes: Tips and Pitfalls (Speakers: Brækhus / Zynk) Expert guidance on common challenges and best practices for participating in defence procurement processes in Norway.
Tax Compliance in Norway – Legal and Financial Implications (Speakers: Brækhus / AHK) A practical session on ensuring tax efficiency and legal compliance, tailored to the needs of foreign defence firms operating in Norway.
Investing in Norway – The M&A Perspective (Speakers: Brækhus / Dr. Christian Wildhagen) A strategic overview of the investment landscape in Norway, with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions as a route to market entry or expansion.
Who Should Attend?
Companies, particularly German defence companies, at all stages of entering the Norwegian defence market – from early planning to growth and consolidation – will benefit from this workshop.
This workshop follows up on the German-Norwegian Defence Dialogue on 26 August and provides practical insights for companies in the defence sector – particularly German defence firms – that are looking to establish or expand operations in Norway. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of Norway’s business environment, legal and tax frameworks, and the dynamics of its defence industry.
Breakfast and lunch will be served. Breakfast will be served from 08:30 and the program starts at 09:00.
Norway’s New Security Strategy – What Does It Mean for Your Business?
The Norwegian government has launched the country’s first national security strategy to address an increasingly serious and complex threat landscape. The strategy emphasises that society as a whole must contribute – including the business sector. Here, we provide an overview of the key points, and how we can support your business in navigating the new requirements and opportunities.
How Norway Plans to Address Increased Risk with a New National Security Strategy
On Liberation and Veterans Day, 8 May, the Norwegian government presented the National Security Strategy. This strategy is Norway’s response to an increasingly complex and demanding security landscape. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre described the strategy as a necessary reaction to «the most serious security situation since the Second World War.» He emphasised that Norway faces a more dangerous Russia, heightened great-power rivalry, and intensified technological competition. The strategy is designed to enhance Norway’s ability to address these challenges and ensure a safe, independent, and resilient society.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that the strategy is not solely about military strength but about building a robust society capable of handling everything from cyberattacks to economic threats. He called on businesses, municipalities, and individuals to contribute actively: «The entire society must be involved—from the highest levels of government to businesses and individual citizens.»
The strategy is a call to action for government agencies, businesses — both domestic and international — and individuals to contribute to a safer Norway.
Strengthening defence capabilities: Increasing military capacity and contributing to European security through NATO.
Enhancing societal resilience: Reducing vulnerabilities and managing serious incidents such as cyberattacks.
Securing economic stability: Reducing dependency on insecure nations and strengthening control over strategic value chains.
Protecting critical infrastructure: Ensuring the robustness of energy, telecommunications, and transportation systems.
Promoting international cooperation: Strengthening ties with NATO, the EU, and allied nations to address global challenges.
How does the strategy affect international companies?
Norway’s new security strategy is not only relevant for domestic stakeholders, but also for international companies operating in or engaging with the Norway. With a strong focus on defence capabilities, protecting critical infrastructure, and enhancing economic security, the strategy opens opportunities for cross-border collaboration, supply chain partnerships, and technology transfer. Businesses in sectors such as defence, cybersecurity, energy, and technology will find Norway’s close alignment with NATO, the EU, and allied nations particularly valuable when expanding in Europe.
Below are the eight key priorities of the strategy and how we can assist your business:
The strategy prioritizes increased military capacity and collaboration between civilian and military actors.
We assist with contracts for deliveries to the Armed Forces and the broader industry, ensure compliance with the Security Act, and facilitate participation in tenders. Through our international network, we can also support cross-border agreements and partnerships involving both military and civilian deliveries. For international companies, we can help navigate Norwegian regulatory frameworks and establish partnerships with local entities.
The strategy focuses on reducing economic vulnerabilities and safeguarding strategic value chains.
We conduct due diligence for investments, navigate export control regulations, and ensure compliance in technology trade. Leveraging our international network in Europe and beyond, we can help identify secure and strategic business partners. For foreign companies, we provide guidance on entering the Norwegian market while adhering to local and international regulations.
Robustness in critical sectors such as energy and telecommunications is essential.
We draft security agreements, supplier clearances, and contracts that balance national security considerations with your business interests. We also have experience working with international actors providing technology and services to critical infrastructure. For international companies, we can assist in meeting Norwegian requirements for operating in sensitive sectors.
Increased collaboration with NATO, the EU, and allied nations opens new opportunities.
We assist with international cooperation agreements, export projects, and participation in EU-funded initiatives. Our network in the U.S. and Europe ensures your business meets international standards and regulatory requirements. For international companies, we can facilitate partnerships with Norwegian entities and help you leverage Norway’s strategic position within NATO and the EU.
The strategy addresses threats from state actors using economic means to influence national security.
We identify and manage risks associated with foreign investments and acquisitions, ensuring agreements comply with the Security Act. Our expertise in international transactions makes us a trusted partner for businesses operating globally. For international companies, we provide guidance on navigating Norway’s regulatory landscape to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
Protecting technology and knowledge is a central focus.
We provide advice on intellectual property rights, technology contracts, and compliance with export control regulations. Through our global network, we can help safeguard your innovations across borders. For international companies, we can assist in protecting your intellectual property while collaborating with Norwegian partners.
The strategy emphasizes safeguarding against disinformation and covert influence.
We offer legal advice on media regulation and accountability for digital platforms, ensuring transparency and compliance. Our experience includes handling legal matters related to international media platforms and technology companies. For international companies, we can help navigate Norwegian regulations to ensure your operations align with local standards.
Why Choose Brækhus to Support Your Business
As a law firm with an extensive international network and broad experience working with stakeholders across Europe and the United States, Brækhus is uniquely positioned to assist both Norwegian and international companies in the defence and security industries. Brækhus are members of the Norwegian Defence and Security Industries Association (FSi), as well as organisations such as Andersen Global, Meritas, and various chambers of commerce, including the Norwegian-German Chamber of Commerce (AHK) and AmCham. These affiliations provide us with access to a global network of legal and advisory experts.
Brækhus is present at key forums and events for the defence and security industries and have a dedicated team that collaborates closely with advisory environments and industry players. This enables us to understand the unique challenges and opportunities in the sector and offer tailored solutions to help your business navigate this complex landscape.
We are proud to announce that Brækhus is now a member of FSi (The Norwegian Defence and Security Industries Association). This marks an important step in our commitment to delivering top-tier legal advisory services to the industry.
As a member, we look forward to close collaboration with other member companies and key players in the sector. In an era of uncertainty, effective execution and strong project management are crucial. This is especially important as significant contracts and deliveries are set to be negotiated in the coming years.
Our role as a facilitator for contract execution is becoming increasingly essential. Through our membership in FSi, we will continue to strengthen our expertise and contribute to a smoother and more predictable process for all parties involved.
We are excited to actively contribute to this community and work alongside the industry to address future challenges.
For more information about our work and our membership in FSi, please feel free to contact us.
Recent threat assessments by the Norwegian Police Security Service (PST), the Norwegian National Security Authority (NSM), and the Intelligence Service highlight a growing danger of sabotage, insider threats, cyberattacks, and economic espionage. Norwegian businesses must strengthen their preparedness now.
What if an employee in your company receives a LinkedIn request with an enticing offer to disclose information? What if a subcontractor’s weak IT security allows foreign actors access to sensitive data? Or if a newly hired employee proudly shares a photo of their access badge on social media—only for unauthorized individuals to copy it and gain entry?
Escalating Cyber Threats
Cyber operations targeting Norwegian businesses are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Both state-sponsored and criminal actors use digital operations to gather intelligence, influence decision-makers, and disrupt critical infrastructure. Sectors such as energy, finance, healthcare, and technology are particularly vulnerable. The consequences can be significant—financial losses, reputational damage, and the loss of trade secrets.
Insider Risks and Sabotage Threats – A Hidden Danger
Threat assessments indicate a heightened risk of sabotage against critical infrastructure, including power supply, transportation, and telecommunications. State actors also exploit economic tools and supply chains to gain access to sensitive information. Insider threats pose a particularly serious challenge, as employees with access to critical systems may be subjected to coercion, financial incentives, or ideological influence to leak information or sabotage operations.
Economic Espionage and Foreign Influence
Foreign states engage in economic espionage to gain insight into Norwegian technological and industrial advancements. This is often carried out through investments, partnerships, or covert ownership in strategically important businesses.
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How We Can Assist
To address the current threat landscape, we assist businesses with a strategic review of security risks and necessary measures. Our advisory services include:
Security and Preparedness Strategy: We help businesses assess risks, implement preventive measures, and develop robust contingency plans.
Managing Insider Risks and Supply Chains: We support businesses with contracts and due diligence to minimize vulnerabilities. This includes evaluating the feasibility of credit assessments, background checks, and substance testing, as well as establishing procedures for accessing employees’ email accounts and computers.
Regulatory Compliance: We ensure that your business adheres to the Security Act and other regulatory requirements related to critical infrastructure and national security.
Legal Support for Cyber Operations and Security Incidents: We provide legal guidance on incidents with regulatory or legal implications, including mandatory reporting to authorities in cases of personal data security breaches.
The threat landscape is continuously evolving, and Norwegian businesses must take a proactive approach. Contact us for an assessment of how we can enhance your company’s security and preparedness.
