The FFS project (Future Defense Industry South) has a great line-up of events this fall.

“Agder is a capable and attractive region for defense related opportunities. We will continue to strengthen competence, collaboration and industrial readiness in our region,” says Tina McDougall, Project Manager at GCE NODE.

She is leading the FFS project during Stephen Sayfritz’s temporary leave.

FFS will host or co-host some key events in Agder this fall:

And a breakfast meeting focused on procurement processes, offering companies practical insight into how defense acquisitions are structured and evaluated. Date and venue to be determined.

Beyond regional activities, FFS is participating in a study trip to Denmark, where academic and research environments from Agder will meet their counterparts in Aalborg.

FFS representatives will also take part in several national events:

  • At the Polish-Norwegian Dual Use Business Seminar, Jon Arne Rasmussen from Digin will join discussions on cross border cooperation and dual use technology opportunities.
  • At the Army Drone Program Industry Day, Rune Schlanbusch from NORCE Research will represent the region in conversations about land based drone capabilities and future needs.
  • And Tina McDougall will attend the Nordic Defense and Security Conference, where defense strategy, industrial development and Nordic cooperation are on the agenda.

Future Defense Industry South (Fremtidens Forsvarsindustri Sør – FFS) is a three-year program (2026–2028) to build a lasting ecosystem for competence, innovation, and growth in defense and dual-use deliveries in Agder.

Key partners include GCE NODE, Digin, UiA, NORCE, Mechatronics Innovation Lab (MIL), Future Materials NC (FMNC), Motion Mandal and Næringsalliansen i Agder.

As the Norwegian government prepares its national offshore wind timeline, GCE NODE has delivered clear industry-friendly recommendations.

The long-awaited roadmap will define when new offshore wind areas are opened, when auctions take place, and how Norway intends to reach its target of 30 GW awarded by 2040. The timeline is seen as a crucial step toward creating predictability for developers and suppliers.

Kristian Johnsen, Project Manager for offshore wind at GCE NODE, says the top priority is volume and momentum.

“We need to award 5 GW by 2030. That level of activity is necessary to keep the supplier industry engaged and to maintain continuity between the first rounds and what comes next,” he says.

Johnsen also points to the areas identified in NVE’s strategic impact assessment as the next logical step for development. “Sørlige Nordsjø B, C, D and an extension of F have the best technical and commercial potential, and they should be built out next,” he explains.

But volume alone is not enough. The industry needs long-term predictability.

“A clear and binding timeline toward 2040 is essential. Companies are ready to invest, but they need to know when auctions will take place and which areas will be opened,” says Johnsen.

Infrastructure is another critical factor. Offshore wind requires large-scale port facilities, assembly sites, and logistics hubs – assets that take years to develop.

“We’re asking for earmarked funding in the 2027 national budget for industrial areas with quay fronts dedicated to offshore wind. If Norway wants to build 30 GW, we need the physical infrastructure in place,” Johnsen says.

Companies from Agder made their presence felt at ONS, the global energy exhibition and conference in Stavanger, which drew tens of thousands of visitors this week.

“It has been a tremendously important week for the Norwegian and global energy business. Coming together in Stavanger, we have highlighted current and looming challenges and been reminded of the importance of both energy security and the addition of renewable energy sources,” says Knut Mjåland, CEO of GCE NODE.

PHOTO ALBUM: AGDER AT ONS 2026

He hosted the joint Agder Pavilion at ONS – a buzzing stand area where 11 cluster companies showcased their technology and competence for a predominantly Norwegian but still international audience.

Serial entrepreneur Bjarne Skeie and daughter Lena Skeie met with Knut Mjåland, CEO of GCE NODE.

“Together with the larger GCE NODE companies, which had their own stands at ONS 2026, we have made our mark. The supplier industry in Agder remains a cutting-edge engineering stronghold for the oil and gas industry and also has the ability to transfer competence and technology to other sectors, such as offshore wind and defense,” says Mjåland.

The Agder Pavilion served as a hub for the region’s industry, offering afternoon networking opportunities daily. GCE NODE also hosted a packed Agder Reception, sponsored by DNB, at the premises of Stavanger Chamber of Commerce.

The Agder Pavilion at ONS 2026.
The Agder Pavilion at ONS 2026.