“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:
- Regional supplier and industry gathering in Mandal on September 22. Read more
- Agder Defense Industry Dialogue: Connecting industry and public stakeholders in Kristiansand on October 26. Read more
- Defense technology development in conflict meeting, with lessons from Ukraine, in Kristiansand on October 27. Read more
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.
