NORCE central in French-Norwegian defence cooperation

NORCE and the French defence and technology company Naval Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday, 31 March 2025, to explore opportunities for joint research and development projects, particularly in IT and energy.

The agreement lays the foundation for a strategic partnership where both parties will combine their expertise to drive innovation in maritime and defence-related technology. The agreement follows the Norwegian government's signing of a letter of intent in January this year to strengthen defence cooperation with France, with a particular focus on maritime surveillance.

– This agreement reflects our shared ambition to drive innovation through collaboration, says Guillaume Weisrock, Senior Vice President for Sales and Business Development in Europe and North America at Naval Group, adding:

– NORCE’s multidisciplinary research capacity and strong connection to Norwegian industry make them an ideal partner as we strengthen our presence in Norway.

NORCE strengthens Norwegian technology development

– We look forward to developing research projects with Naval Group. Their industrial expertise in the maritime sector complements our strengths in research and development, says Kristin Margrethe Flornes, Executive Vice President at NORCE.

She adds:

– Through this collaboration, NORCE aims to contribute to broader industrial cooperation. Norwegian companies, linked to research institutions such as NORCE, need a stronger position in the international defence market. The agreement with Naval Group is an important step towards developing more Norwegian technology based on Norway’s significant investments in defence and security.

Naval Group has extensive experience in the development and maintenance of naval vessels, combat systems, communication solutions, and related infrastructure. The company is a leading provider of advanced defence solutions to navies worldwide and has a clear goal of strengthening its presence in Norway and supporting the future needs of the Royal Norwegian Navy.

The collaboration between NORCE and Naval Group will facilitate the development of technology with both civilian and military applications. The MoU establishes a formal framework for identifying, assessing, and developing joint research projects that can contribute to strengthening Norway’s defence capabilities and industrial competence.

This agreement comes as Norway and France have entered into a letter of intent to strengthen defence cooperation, with a particular emphasis on maritime surveillance. In this context, Naval Group is also considering the possibility of supplying new frigates to the Royal Norwegian Navy as part of a multi-billion-dollar deal.

The agreement also supports Naval Group’s ambition to become a key supplier to the Royal Norwegian Navy, with the potential outcomes of this collaboration contributing to meeting future requirements and national priorities in defence and security.