Week 8 of 2026 was marked by major political decisions, Nordic defence exercises in Arctic conditions, and several significant industry and materiel deals. Below is a comprehensive overview of all defence news from the week.

Domains

Naval

  • The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a contract with Rheinmetall and Hensoldt for SeaSnake 30 air defence autocannons (calibre 30x173) and the Spexer 2000 radar system for the amphibious battalions' combat boats. The contract is worth approximately 670 million SEK and deliveries begin in February 2028. Read more
  • Norway and Germany have signed the bilateral defence agreement known as the Hansa Arrangement, covering five main areas including naval security in the North Atlantic, space surveillance, and joint materiel procurement. The agreement was signed in connection with the Munich Security Conference. Read more

Air

  • Swedish JAS 39 Gripen, Danish F-35, and German Eurofighter aircraft are participating in the NATO exercise Arctic Sentry in Iceland, which commenced on 13 February 2026. This marks Denmark's first contribution to the exercise, which aims to strengthen the alliance's presence and deterrence in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Read more
  • The Danish Air Force is establishing Squadron 729 (Eskadrille 729) at Aalborg Air Base (northern Denmark) to operate four new remotely piloted MQ-9B drones. The unit will be placed under the Air Transport Wing, staffed by approximately 100 pilots and specialists, and is expected to receive deliveries in 2028. Read more
  • Norway and Germany have concluded an agreement to jointly purchase spare parts for the Patriot air defence system for donation to Ukraine. Norway's contribution amounts to just over one billion Norwegian kroner and is financed through the Nansen Programme. Read more

Land

  • A new dining hall and kitchen building, Hwitstjernan, has been inaugurated at P 18 in Tofta, Gotland (the strategically important Swedish island in the Baltic Sea). The project is a collaboration between the Swedish Fortifications Agency (Fortifikationsverket), the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten), and Peab, and forms part of the regiment's ongoing infrastructure expansion. Read more
  • Element Materials Technology has signed a cooperation agreement with BAE Systems Hägglunds for materials testing related to the production of, among other systems, the Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90) and the Bandvagn 410 (BvS10). Read more
  • Danish soldiers completed a Winter Warfare Course in northern Sweden during January to strengthen their ability to fight and lead in Arctic conditions. The training was aimed at non-commissioned officers and officers from the Danish Army. Read more
  • Swedish airbase rangers from Blekinge Wing (Blekinge flygflottilj) are participating in the Danish exercise series Arctic Endurance 26 in Greenland during February and March, as part of the broader Arctic Sentry cooperation. The focus is on combat, movement in difficult terrain, and joint training with allied forces. Read more
  • Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (Forsvarsmateriell, FMA) has signed a framework agreement with Equipnor worth 1.5 billion Norwegian kroner for delivery of the M22 combat vest system through to 2031. The system replaces the older M07 protective vest and M10 combat vest. Read more

Cyber

  • Sweden and Ukraine have signed a five-year cybersecurity cooperation agreement between the National Cyber Security Centre (Nationellt cybersäkerhetscenter) and the Ukrainian State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection (SSSCIP). The agreement focuses on capacity building and the exchange of experience regarding Russian attack methods, and was signed in connection with the Munich Security Conference. Read more
  • Clavister has been awarded a contract to develop a Cross Domain Solution in collaboration with Saab, intended for secure information exchange in an advanced defence system for a Western European armed force. Read more

Policy & Strategy

  • MUST (Swedish Military Intelligence and Security Service, Militära underrättelse- och säkerhetstjänsten) presented its 2025 annual review, concluding that Sweden's security situation has continued to deteriorate. Russia's military capabilities and hybrid methods are identified as the central threats, and the agency also highlights risks associated with China and Iran. Read more
  • The Swedish Government proposes that the Agency for Foreign Intelligence (Myndigheten för utrikes underrättelser) be established on 1 January 2027. The new civilian agency will take over parts of MUST's foreign intelligence activities and provide support for Swedish foreign, security, and defence policy. Read more
  • The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI, Totalförsvarets forskningsinstitut) published the report FOI Informs on Biological Weapons, warning that biological agents may be used to disrupt healthcare, food supply, and the economy, both in conventional warfare and in hybrid operations. Read more
  • Finland's Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has decided to locate NATO's Forward Land Forces Multinational Staff Element (MNSE) in Rovaniemi (northern Finland, near the Arctic), establishing a permanent NATO presence in northern Finland. Sweden is participating as a framework nation alongside the United Kingdom, France, and the other Nordic countries. Read more

Industry

  • Sweden presented its 21st military support package to Ukraine, worth approximately 12.9 billion SEK. The package focuses on newly manufactured air defence systems, long-range weapons systems, and ammunition. Sweden's total military support to Ukraine has thereby reached 103 billion SEK since 2022. Read more
  • The EU Council has approved the national plans of 16 member states under the SAFE Programme (Security Action for Europe), with the first loan disbursements expected in March. Among the approved countries are Denmark and Finland, as well as the Baltic states. Read more
  • Naval Group has acquired a 20 per cent stake in cortAIx France, the Thales accelerator for artificial intelligence in critical systems. The investment aims to accelerate AI integration in naval defence systems, with a focus on cybersecurity and technological sovereignty. Read more
  • The Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (FMI, Forsvarsministeriets Materiel- og Indkøbsstyrelse) is establishing a Centre for Technology and Innovation to centralise expertise in electronic warfare (EW). The centre replaces the Joint Knowledge Centre and comprises three sections: the Technology Section, the EW Section, and the Danish EW Test Center. Read more
  • Snigel has entered into a multi-year framework agreement with security company Cubsec worth approximately 15 million SEK, covering uniforms, personal equipment, and protective vests for Cubsec's security personnel. Orders totalling 2.8 million SEK have been placed to date. Read more
  • Promoteq has appointed Mathias Krümmel, formerly Chief Executive of DHL Sweden and PostNord Sweden, as its new Chief Executive Officer and Group CEO, effective 1 March 2026. He succeeds Jonas Arbestål. Read more

Week 8 of 2026 confirmed the broad level of activity across Nordic and European defence policy, ranging from major political decisions on support for Ukraine and a new intelligence structure to concrete materiel deals and Arctic exercises. Follow Nordic Defence Sector for continued coverage.