In a quest to acquire cutting-edge weapon systems, Nordic army leaders are sending a clear message to the defense industry: systems must be battle-tested and proven effective in the Ukraine war, Breaking Defense reports.
Ukraine as the Ultimate Proving Ground
„For new [supply] chains and new technologies, I’m never going to buy anything that hasn’t worked in Ukraine,” Maj. Gen. Peter Harling Boysen, chief of the Royal Danish Army, declared at an AUSA panel discussion. He routinely asks suppliers if their products have been used in Ukraine.
Lt. Gen. Pasi Välimäki, Commander of the Finnish Army, echoed this sentiment. He emphasized that systems operating in Ukraine are much easier for industry to demonstrate their „actual product works.” With a two-year window to sign new equipment contracts, Välimäki needs mature, effective platforms, stating, „You’re either in or you’re out.”
Real-World Testing is Crucial
Aivars Puriņš, Latvia’s state secretary, told Breaking Defense that manufacturers should test new technologies as close to „a deployed situation” as possible to gain valuable feedback. Latvia is establishing a drone test range with a continuous presence of Ukrainian officers to facilitate testing under „real-life conditions.”
Drone-Focused Programs Emerge
Drone innovation is a key focus for Nordic armies. Latvia opened a drone competency center last month to develop and integrate drone technologies for its armed forces. Norway has launched a drone program with a dedicated inspector and a $1.49 million investment over 10 years.
Maj. Gen. Lars Lervik, chief of the Norwegian army, told Breaking Defense that the goal is to coordinate drone innovation across the army. Progress includes a drone swarm pilot program using Six Robotics Valkyrie drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Collaboration and Standardization
Harling Boysen emphasized the need for standardization, stating, „We can’t afford to have a national special requirements. If it’s good enough for the three other Nordic members, it’s good enough for me.”
Drone Incursions and Air Defense
The focus on uncrewed systems comes amid a series of Russian drone incursions across Europe, prompting NATO to boost its presence on the Eastern Flank. Harling Boysen advocated shooting down Russian drones in European airspace as a „clear signal” to Moscow.
Long-Range Fire Acquisition Delayed
Lervik noted that Norway’s long-range precision fires acquisition has been delayed, but the „hope” is to conclude the process and provide a recommendation to the government by Christmas. Lockheed Martin’s M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace K239 Chunmoo Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) are leading contenders.
IFV Procurement Advances
Lervik added that Oslo could buy up to 80 BAE Systems CV90 infantry fighting vehicles. The future order is part of a joint procurement plan with Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Sweden, with a potential contract award in early 2026.
