Drone strategy for the Norwegian Defence sector

The Norwegian Ministry of Defence released its strategy on the use of and defence against drones on 1 December 2025.

The strategy is available here (in Norwegian only), and emphasizes that drones shall support the Norwegian Armed Forces' understanding of situations, monitor areas with Norwegian interests, defence of Norwegian and allied territory, protect infrastructure and provide military support for key societal tasks.

The four main priorities for use of and defence against drones provide guidance for underlying objectives and measures and are as follows:

1. Strengthen defence/the Norwegian Armed Forces against drones
2. Continuously develop and introduce new technology and new concepts for the use of drones
3. Increased cooperation with civilian sectors and allies
4. Long-term investments in technology and expertise

Measures mentioned are the development of the Norwegian Armed Forces drone- and drone defence capabilities, cooperation internationally and across sectors, targeted innovation, research and development, strengthening the national drone industry and use of efficient procurement procedures in line with the Norwegian procurement regulations and within the underlying EU directives.

Relevant news and updates: 

• The Norwegian Armed Forces have published an dynamic purchasing system for purchase and lease of drones with the possibility for relevant suppliers to qualify on an ongoing basis and participate. The competition is available here
• The Norwegian Regulation on Defence and Security Procurements has been reviewed and changes are suggested. See our short update here
• For reference on the existing rules on procurement within the defence and security sector in the Nordic region, DLA Pipers Nordic public procurement team have published articles on the rules within each jurisdiction. These articles are written in English and publicly available below:
  • DLA Piper Denmark: Mikala Berg Dueholm, Nick Bronstein, Rebecca Bay - Public Defence Procuement in Denmark UrT 2024 no 2 s. 37
  • DLA Piper Finland: Tuija Kaijalainen - Defence and Security Procurement in Finland UrT 2024 no 2 p. 49
  • DLA Piper Norway: Line Voldstad, Morten Gullhagen-Revling, David Berset - Public Defence Procurement in Norway UrT 2024 no 2 p. 61
  • DLA Piper Sweden: Charlotte Brunlid Svensk försvarsupphandling 2024 UrT 2024 nr 1 s. 73

Contact our procurement and regulatory experts Line Voldstad and Morten Gullhagen-Revling in our defence and aerospace team for more information.