Week 13 of 2026 was marked by significant deliveries in the air and naval domains, concluded major exercises, new policy initiatives across the Nordic region, and several industry developments from Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Below is a comprehensive overview of the week's defence news.

Domains

Naval

  • Nifelheim 2026: The Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) are conducting the logistics exercise Nifelheim 2026 in Västernorrland (northern Sweden), running from 23 March to 2 April. The 2nd Naval Base Battalion from the Stockholm Amphibious Regiment is practising coastal logistics supply together with Home Guard units from the Northern Military Region and Total Defence actors. Read more
  • JEF Summit in Helsinki: Leaders of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) member nations gathered on 26 March in Helsinki (Finland), hosted by Finnish President Alexander Stubb. The agenda included support for Ukraine, the European security situation, and management of the Russian shadow fleet. Read more

Air

  • First Gripen E Manufactured in Brazil: On 25 March, the first Gripen E fighter aircraft manufactured in Brazil was unveiled at a ceremony at Embraer's facility in Gavião Peixoto. Attendees included Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Saab CEO Micael Johansson. Read more
  • Upgraded Gripen Engine Delivered: GKN Aerospace has delivered the first upgraded RM12EP engine to the Swedish Armed Forces for the JAS 39 Gripen C/D. The programme, which began in 2019, is valued at approximately 400 million SEK and aims to increase performance and reduce maintenance costs. Read more

Land

  • Cold Response 2026 Concluded: The Norwegian-led exercise Cold Response 2026, held from 9 to 22 March, brought together more than 30,000 soldiers from 14 allied nations. Sweden participated for the first time as a full NATO member. The exercise covered the land, maritime, air, special forces, cyber, and space domains. Read more

Policy & Strategy

  • Norway Establishes the Clearance Directorate: The Norwegian government plans to establish the Clearance Directorate (Klareringsdirektoratet, KDIR), a new joint authority for civilian and military security vetting, under the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. The agency is expected to begin operations in 2027, with the aim of reducing processing times and simplifying procedures. Read more
  • EU-Ghana Defence Agreement: The EU and Ghana signed a security and defence partnership in Accra, the first of its kind between the EU and an African nation. The agreement was signed by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and includes support of 50 million euros in military equipment. Read more
  • NATO and Ukraine Launch UNITE-Brave NATO: NATO and the Ukrainian innovation platform Brave1 have launched the innovation programme UNITE-Brave NATO with a budget of 10 million euros, focused on counter-drone capabilities and navigation under electronic jamming. The programme requires collaboration between companies from NATO member states and Ukraine. Read more

Industry

  • First MSMB 200 Delivered: Svensk Konstruktionstjänst AB (Svekon) has delivered the first MSMB 200 motorboat to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). Up to 100 boats may be delivered by 2033. The aluminium vessel, measuring just over 11 metres in length, is intended for use by both the Navy and the Home Guard. Read more
  • SAFE4U Recruits New CEO: Defensor Group AB and SAFE4U Security of Sweden AB have appointed Erik Jeppsson as the new CEO of SAFE4U. Jeppsson joins from Aimpoint, where he held senior roles in sales and business development for 24 years. Read more
  • Forsvarsbygg Signs Maintenance Agreement: Norwegian Forsvarsbygg (the Norwegian Defence Estates Agency) has signed framework agreements for the maintenance of military infrastructure across Norway, as part of the Norwegian Defence Commitment. The agreements are intended to reduce the maintenance backlog and ensure operational capability in peace, crisis, and war. Read more
  • Työvene to Build SWATH Vessel for the German Navy: Finnish Uudenkaupungin Työvene Oy, a subsidiary of Summa Defence Plc, has signed a contract with the German armed forces procurement agency BAAINBw to build a SWATH-based transport vessel for up to 60 personnel, intended for operations in the Baltic Sea. Read more
  • Vinnova Announces Grants for SME Companies: The Swedish innovation agency Vinnova has announced grants of up to 500,000 SEK per company under its civil-military innovation programme, targeting small and medium-sized enterprises with civilian technology solutions that can be adapted for military applications. Read more
  • H&K Loses Nordic Weapons Contract Dispute: Finland's Supreme Administrative Court has rejected Heckler & Koch's appeal against the joint Finnish and Swedish procurement of small arms from Sako Oy. The court cited an EU exemption for national security, meaning the contract can proceed as planned. Read more

Week 13 of 2026 illustrates the breadth of Nordic and European defence activity, spanning industrial deliveries and court rulings to major exercises and new international partnerships. Follow Nordic Defence Sector for continued coverage.