In collaboration with the US Commercial Service, AmCham’s latest Defense Forum was hosted by Cisco, where defense industry members discussed how shifts in global security demands and rapid technological changes are shaping both opportunities and challenges. Against a backdrop of increased demand, shifting alliances, and lessons drawn from recent conflicts, the session highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and long-term transatlantic partnerships.
The meeting kicked off with Eiliv Ofigsbø, Director of the Communication and Information Systems Division at the Norwegian Defense Material Agency (NDMA). He provided the group with an overview of how Norway must evolve its defense procurement and industrial base to keep pace with today’s demands, and stressed the importance of continuous upgrades. Ofigsbø further highlighted NDMA’s changing role relative to the industry, as the objectives have expanded to also “ensure long-term security of supply and readiness through international and industrial cooperation.” This means that developing the Norwegian defense industry and strengthening international defense material cooperation is now an integral part of the overall approach to acquisitions.
Bjørn Martinussen, Field CTO and part of the Cisco Defense Team, emphasized the growing role of technology in modern defense. He noted that the defense environment is rapidly changing, and that agility and flexibility are essential for success. Highlighting both the importance of military adoption of civilian technologies and cross-industry collaboration, he urged businesses and the public sector to focus on practical, interoperable solutions rather than overly complex systems.
The defense environment is changing, and civilian technology is becoming just as vital as traditional systems
The discussion made clear that Norway’s ability to meet rising defense demands will depend both on expanding industrial capacity and strengthening international collaboration, while integrating valuable lessons from ongoing conflicts. In this, the US remains Norway’s most important ally. Close collaboration across sectors and borders will continue to be the cornerstone for ensuring that innovation, scale, and strategic resilience go hand in hand.
In partnership with the US Commercial Service, the Defense Forum supports US defense industry partners in Norway. Key Patron-level and defense industry representatives gather quarterly to forge enhanced public-private sector collaboration – sharing insights, developments, and trends to secure long-term transatlantic bonds.
Please contact amcham@amcham.no for interest in future meetings.
AmCham Defense Forum: Alliances & Innovation for Tomorrow’s Security In collaboration with the US Commercial Service, AmCham’s latest Defense Forum was hosted by Cisco, where
In collaboration with the US Commercial Service, AmCham’s second Defense Forum of the year was hosted Vila Otium, where participants were welcomed by Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the U.S. Embassy Oslo, Robert S. Needham. The session featured distinguished speakers Commodore Kyrre Haugen, Commander of the Norwegian Fleet, and Admiral James G. Foggo, U.S. Navy (ret.), Dean of the Center for Maritime Strategy, Navy League of the United States.
In collaboration with the US Commercial Service, AmCham’s first Defense Forum of the year was hosted by Brækhus at their downtown Oslo offices. The session featured two distinguished speakers: Retired General Sverre Diesen, lead researcher at Forsvarets forskningsinstitutt (FFI) and former Chief of Defense, and General Eirik Kristoffersen, Norway’s Chief of Defense. Together, they provided invaluable insights into the current and future security challenges facing Norway and its allies.
