Interest in Norwegian defence industry has never been greater. The supplier industry and technology companies are positioning themselves as defence suppliers, and investors are identifying the sector as an attractive segment. Norway does not currently have a general regime for investment screening for suppliers to the defence sector, but the regulatory landscape is more extensive than many expect and subject to pending legislative changes.

From 1 January 2026, new guidelines for procurement in the defence sector (RAF) apply in Norway. The new rules replace the previous procurement guidelines (ARF) and apply to the Ministry of Defence and its subordinate agencies, including the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Norwegian Defence Estates Agency, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment.

In Norway, the public sector spends billions each year on defence and security procurements. An external working group has now presented a proposal for a new act on defence and security procurements. The proposed act will apply to all public procurement in the defence and security sector, including weapons, ammunition, war materials, technology, and other essential services.

This week, the Investment Control Commission – appointed by the Norwegian government in 2022 – delivered its report concerning Norway's foreign direct investment laws. The report proposes significant changes to the current system, ostensibly in order to protect national security interests, and would bring Norway's rules on FDI more in line with some of its European neighbours.

There is no doubt that offshore wind needs considerable public support in order to be financially viable. However, such support must first pass the threshold of EEA state aid law. How can state aid for offshore wind be granted legally, and what sources of state aid are available in Norway and the EU?

Patrick Oware had heard rumours that you get your required procedural experience quickly in Wikborg Rein, but he had never thought it would go this fast.

Competition Law

Defence and Security

Dispute Resolution

Environment, Climate, and Sustainability

Foreign direct investment and national security

Information Technology

Life sciences and healthcare

Procurement

State Aid and EU/EEA

Senior Associate

Oslo

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Patrick works mainly with procurement law, where he assists public contracting authorities and suppliers with advice, legal assessments, and disputes, within all sides of the procurement law.

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