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ARTICLE · 07 OCTOBER 2026

New Act On Defence Technology: Agreement On The Need, Disagreement On The Implementation?

Wikborg Rein
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Norway's Ministry of Defence has proposed sweeping new legislation to protect defence technology and security-classified patents, introducing expanded government control over technology critical to military operations. The bill has sparked significant controversy among industry stakeholders who warn that its broad scope, unclear thresholds, and restrictive sharing mechanisms could inadvertently harm the Norwegian defence industry while advantaging foreign competitors.

NorwayGovernment, Public Sector
Morten Valen Eide
Morten Valen Eide
Kenneth Norum
Kenneth Norum
Martine M. Wold
Martine M. Wold
Guro Bjørnes Skeie
Guro Bjørnes Skeie

The Ministry of Defence's proposal for a new act on the protection of Norwegian defence technology and security-classified patents is intended to give Norway stronger control over technology of material importance to the Armed Forces' operational capability, but has been met with significant objections.

Among other things, the proposal introduces a markedly expanded scope of application, new decision-making and sharing mechanisms, and gives the Ministry of Defence a central role vis-à-vis both the defence industry and civilian technology companies. The need for an update is undisputed, but the consultation round shows that the proposal leaves several key questions unanswered, with consequences that may particularly affect smaller and civilian Norwegian actors. 

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