Nordic armaments chiefs tie deterrence to industrial speed

Speed is of the essence in delivering capability to the armed forces.

The message is familiar, but it was reiterated on Thursday at a Danish–Norwegian defence industry seminar in Copenhagen, organised by the two countries’ industry associations, FSI and DI Defence and Security

- We are no longer looking only at quality and price. These remain important, but speed and security of supply are now equally critical, said Lieutenant General Kim Jesper Jørgensen, Denmark’s Director of National Armaments.

Alongside Thor Vidar Indreeide, Norway’s Deputy Director of National Armaments, he outlined what defence requires from industry amid ongoing rearmament and force expansion.

Indreeide pointed to lessons from Ukraine, emphasising the need for sustained, large-scale production.

- The war of factories is as important as the war on the frontlines, noted Indreeide. 

- The ability to produce, deliver and maintain systems at scale is not merely a logistical concern. Industrial capacity underpins credible defence and deterrence, he said, describing industry as a distinct arm of national defence.

Both speakers underlined the need for rapid product development and expanded production capacity to secure supply, and what Jørgensen termed "deterrence through production"-.

- We must establish deterrence not only through capable military units, but by convincing adversaries that, in war, we can out-produce and out-innovate them, Jørgensen said.

- We must achieve this through you. We need to mobilise industry and bring new companies into the sector, he added, addressing an audience primarily drawn from Danish and Norwegian industry.

Both also highlighted increased Nordic cooperation as a means to strengthen defence capabilities and reduce costs through joint procurement and sustainment.