Nordic Military Leaders Demand Proven Weapons for Future Acquisitions

In a decisive shift in military procurement strategy, Nordic army leaders declared that future weapon system acquisitions will hinge on proven performance in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This stance was articulated during a panel discussion at the AUSA (Association of the United States Army) event held last week in Belfast.

Proven Performance a Must

Maj. Gen. Peter Harling Boysen, chief of the Royal Danish Army, emphasized the importance of real-world validation. “For new supply chains and new technologies, I’m never going to buy anything that hasn’t worked in Ukraine,” he stated, highlighting a growing trend among military leaders to prioritize equipment that has demonstrated effectiveness in combat conditions.

His sentiments were echoed by Lt. Gen. Pasi Välimäki, Commander of the Finnish Army, who noted that showcasing products at expos like AUSA is insufficient without evidence of operational success in Ukraine. “The products that we have seen here… a demonstrator, that’s nice,” Välimäki remarked, “but systems operating in Ukraine are much easier for industry to demonstrate their actual product works.”

Välimäki underscored the necessity for mature platforms, stating he has a two-year “window of opportunity” for signing new equipment contracts. “You’re either in or you’re out,” he said, reiterating the urgency of this procurement plan.

Testing Technologies Under Real Conditions

Aivars Puriņš, Latvia’s state secretary, further stressed the need for manufacturers to test their technologies in conditions that closely mimic deployment scenarios. “We have had too many stories… where the best technology solutions were deployed, and suddenly they didn’t work as they were kind of supposed to be,” he explained, highlighting the critical lessons learned from the Ukrainian conflict.

Latvia is actively developing a drone test range and has established a drone competency center in Riga. This initiative aims to foster a continuous presence of Ukrainian officers for equipment testing under realistic conditions. “What we want to have is Ukrainian officers coming through, being kind of a continuous presence,” Puriņš added.

The Latvian Ministry of Defense described the competency center as a national platform for developing and integrating drone technologies within the Latvian National Armed Forces. Its mission includes ensuring the continuity of drone system supplies during crises and supporting local companies in creating drones tailored to military needs.

Drone Programs and Innovations

The Norwegian army is also enhancing its capabilities through drone innovations. Maj. Gen. Lars Lervik, chief of the Norwegian army, announced a dedicated drone program aimed at coordinating various drone initiatives alongside support for Ukraine. Norway plans to invest 1.5 billion Norwegian Krone (approximately $1.49 million) over a ten-year period to improve its drone capabilities.

Noteworthy developments include a pilot program featuring a drone swarm of six autonomous Valkyrie drones, designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. “My ambition is to be able to integrate them into swarms eventually,” Lervik said, acknowledging the need for flexibility in military solutions.

He also discussed Norway’s long-range precision fires acquisition, for which a preferred contractor was expected to be selected last summer. However, this process has faced delays due to various procurement challenges, including the need for information from potential vendors, such as the U.S. government. Lervik expressed hope that a recommendation could be made by Christmas 2023, with a contract award tentatively scheduled for early 2026.

Leading contenders for this contract include Lockheed Martin’s M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace K239 Chunmoo Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).

Additionally, plans are in motion for Norway to acquire up to 80 BAE Systems CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, with decisions expected early next year involving a joint procurement initiative with Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

Heightened Security Concerns

The focus on uncrewed systems comes amid increasing Russian drone incursions in Europe, which have prompted NATO to bolster its presence along the Eastern Flank. Furthermore, numerous drone sightings over European airports have led the European Union to consider developing a comprehensive air defense network to counter these threats.

Harling Boysen asserted the need for a robust response to Russian drone activity, advocating for the downing of these aircraft to send a clear message to Moscow: “We know what you do, and it is unacceptable.” As the landscape of military procurement evolves, the emphasis on proven effectiveness in conflict zones is reshaping how nations approach their defense strategies.