The report, prepared by Skagerak Consulting on behalf of Future Defense Industry South (Fremtidens Forsvarsindustri Sør) and Agder Business Alliance (Næringsalliansen i Agder) in collaboration with Kristiansand Municipality and Agder County, examines Agder’s opportunities within the defence industry. It highlights the need for clearer and more coordinated collaboration around the following priorities:
- Defence industry clusters built around Kitron and Umoe Mandal, with a focus on standardized vessels and autonomous maritime systems.
- A national drone testing and training arena at Evjemoen and Lista, supporting operations on land, at sea, and in the air, while laying the foundation for a future drone industry anchored in the expertise of GCE NODE and Umoe Mandal.
- A National Centre for Energy Security, with Agder serving as Norway’s pilot region for resilient and secure power supply.
- Production of strategic and critical minerals, developed in close cooperation with the neighboring county of Telemark.
- A national platform for digital collaboration in crisis and wartime, positioning Agder as a pilot region for civil-military cooperation and the application of artificial intelligence in geospatial analysis.
STRONG COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
According to the report, Agder possesses a unique combination of industrial capabilities, energy resources, infrastructure, and expertise that provides a strong foundation for future growth in defence and preparedness.
Key strengths include:
- A surplus of renewable power and a central role in Norway’s electricity system, including approximately 73 percent of the country’s international HVDC transmission capacity.
- A world-class process industry producing several metals classified by the EU as critical and strategic raw materials.
- Established defence suppliers such as Kitron and Umoe Mandal with proven positions in international defence markets.
- Access to training areas, maritime infrastructure, and highly specialized competence environments.
- The presence of national agencies such as the Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom) and the Norwegian Mapping Authority (Kartverket), supported by strong industrial clusters and collaborative networks.
At the same time, the report highlights an important challenge.
“Agder receives limited attention in the Long-Term Plan for the Norwegian Defense Sector 2025–2036,” note report authors John Salve Sigridnes and Svein-Tore Kristiansen.
A CALL FOR REGIONAL ALIGNMENT
The report was presented during the Agder Defense Industry Dialogue in Kristiansand Monday, where more than 200 representatives from industry, public authorities, and academia gathered to discuss the region’s role in strengthening Norway’s defense capabilities.
The report’s central recommendation is clear: if Agder is to realize its potential, stakeholders across the region must coordinate more closely, communicate a shared vision, and engage national decision-makers with a unified message.
“With Kitron and Umoe Mandal, Agder already has strong industrial stongholds within the defense sector. The opportunity now is to build on this expertise and develop new value chains, particularly in standardized vessels and autonomous maritime systems,” said Knut Mjåland, CEO of GCE NODE.
“Modern defense is as much about data and digital infrastructure as it is about platforms and equipment. In times of crisis, the armed forces, public agencies, and industry must be able to exchange information quickly and securely. With Kartverket and Nkom located in the region, coupled with a strong IT ecosystem, Agder has all the prerequisites to become Norway’s pilot region for civil-military collaboration and the use of artificial intelligence in geospatial analysis,” said Cathrine Stien, Managing Director of Digin.
“This report is part of a broader effort to unite industry clusters, business associations, LO Agder, and NHO Agder behind a common agenda. We have identified defense and preparedness as one of three strategic priorities for the region, alongside energy and transportation infrastructure. The report provides both a roadmap and a clear call to action. The opportunity is here, and the time to act is now,” said Ingrid Michalsen, CEO of the Kristiansand Chamber of Commerce.
CEO of Umoe Mandal, Tom Fidjeland (right), announced a new agreement with GOT Marine, represented by its CEO, Kjetil Kleven.
