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Warsaw Security Forum

Strengthening European security through investment and cooperation

Europe needs to invest more in defence, increase production and work more closely together. These were among the key messages when KONGSBERG joined political, military and industry leaders at the Warsaw Security Forum 2026.

  • Text:Njål Frilseth / KONGSBERG

The forum took place in Poland on 12–13 October. It brought together leaders from across Europe and NATO to discuss the future of European security.

Norway was Partner Nation at this year's forum, with KONGSBERG as the main sponsor. The event provided an opportunity to discuss shared security challenges and the role of industry in strengthening Europe's defence.

Building the defence capabilities Europe needs

How can Europe build the military power it needs? This was the question when KONGSBERG President and CEO Eirik Lie joined representatives from NATO, European governments and industry for a panel discussion. The discussion focused on how Europe can increase defence production, strengthen cooperation and develop new military capabilities.

Image of Eirik Lie

Europe needs affordable mass. We need high volumes of missiles and air defence interceptors to complement the advanced, high-end solutions that remain essential. 

Eirik Lie, KONGSBERG President and CEO

KONGSBERG's recent acquisition of US-based Zone 5 Technologies is one example of how the company is responding to this need. Zone 5 develops affordable missile systems that can be produced in large numbers. KONGSBERG aims to establish high-volume production in Europe. This would help strengthen Europe's ability to meet growing defence needs.

Investing in European defence production

During the forum, KONGSBERG also announced plans to invest more than EUR 45 million in a new factory in Poland. The factory will produce and maintain counter-drone defence systems. It will support Poland's SAN programme and other future European customers. The investment is expected to create more than 100 long-term jobs. It will also strengthen KONGSBERG's production capacity in Europe.

"Strengthening European defence capabilities requires more than advanced technology. It requires long-term investment in industrial capacity, local expertise and strong partnerships," said Lie.

Poland has been an important market and industrial partner for KONGSBERG for more than 15 years. The new factory builds on this relationship and strengthens industrial cooperation between Norway and Poland.

Protecting Europe's seas and critical infrastructure

Maritime security was another important topic at the forum. Lie joined a panel discussion on the future of maritime security. The discussion covered new threats at sea, the growing use of unmanned systems and the need to protect important infrastructure.

Anne Marie Aanerud, Executive Vice President Government Relations and Communication at KONGSBERG, also took part in a roundtable discussion on security in the Baltic Sea and the Arctic. The discussion focused on how countries can work more closely together to protect the region and its critical infrastructure.

"The Baltic Sea and the High North face many of the same security challenges. We need to work more closely together across borders and make better use of the technology and expertise we already have. This is important for protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening our shared security," said Aanerud.

KONGSBERG has a broad range of technologies that can contribute to this work. These include satellite services, maritime surveillance, sensors and autonomous underwater vehicles.

Continued support for Ukraine

Support for Ukraine was also an important part of KONGSBERG's participation. During the forum, Lie met with Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha. They discussed the growing defence cooperation between Norway and Ukraine, and how the defence industry can help strengthen Ukraine's capabilities.

Following the meeting, Sybiha thanked KONGSBERG and Norway on X for their support:

"I am grateful to KONGSBERG, its team, and to Norway for their unwavering support for Ukraine."

KONGSBERG continues to support Ukraine through its technology, expertise and close cooperation with Ukrainian partners.

Working together for a safer Europe

The Warsaw Security Forum showed the importance of bringing governments, armed forces and industry together. For KONGSBERG, the event was an opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships, build new relationships and discuss how industry can help meet Europe's defence needs.

"Europe's security challenges are too big for any country to solve alone. We need strong partnerships between governments, armed forces and industry. Events like the Warsaw Security Forum help us build these relationships and find ways to work together," said Aanerud.

Through investments in new production facilities, technology and international cooperation, KONGSBERG will continue to contribute to stronger defence capabilities in Norway, Europe and among its allies.

 

See images from Warzaw Security Forum: