Norwegian defence technology gains global momentum

‘We provide essential technology to ensure reliable information exchange in potentially challenging situations for Norway and our allies,’ says Raymond Søderholm, CEO of Radionor Communications.

Metaphorically speaking, traditional radio signals are transmitted in the same pattern as a light bulb emits light – in a circle. Radionor's technology, by contrast, transmits radio signals in a beam, like a laser pointer. This enables more precise, secure and efficient communication in demanding environments and defence and emergency preparedness operations – with a longer range, greater security and protection against ‘jamming’ (electronic interference) by hostile actors seeking to disrupt or block communications.

This is precisely what drives Radionor as it leads the way in global technology development.

‘Our in-house expertise in this technology is crucial to our success. We are at least ten years ahead of our competitors in terms of technology,’ Søderholm explains.

Since its launch in 2000, the company has established itself as a key supplier to the defence sector in NATO and the EU, with mission-critical communications as a secondary market. It has created something entirely new by further developing existing technology. 

‘What makes our technology unique is that we use an established technology (phased array) that has been used in advanced radar systems for decades, but has been adapted for a new purpose: wireless communication,’ Søderholm explains.

‘This is an extremely difficult task that has required a highly complex understanding of the system to make it work as it does today,’ he adds.

In 2023, the company generated revenue of NOK 229.4 million and a pre-tax profit of NOK 136.5 million. The 2024 figures show even stronger growth, with revenue of NOK 1,015.1 million and a pre-tax profit of NOK 829.2 million. Production capacity has increased by more than 3,000% over the past 2.5 years.

Radionor is the only company in the world to have developed phased-array capabilities for radios, and the only one able to offer an independent, precise navigation solution within the same system. This gives the company a significant lead in the market.

‘We understand how crucial it is to have a robust, reliable communications system that works – even in times of crisis and war,’ Søderholm explains.

The technology works in conditions that no other communications solutions can handle. It provides long-range wireless broadband and is the communications system most resilient to electronic interference.

Unlike traditional systems that require large satellite dishes, generators and heavy vehicles, Radionor's solution is portable, mobile and powerful enough for a single system to cover entire areas. The technology does not rely on a master node, as 5G networks do, and is therefore significantly more resilient in military operations.

‘With its exceptional range, Radionor’s equipment enables extremely fast and secure data transfer between units at sea, in the air and on the ground. Data is transmitted independently of satellites, mobile networks and other existing infrastructure. This ensures situational awareness and the transfer of critical information to civilian, critical infrastructure and military recipients, even in areas affected by jamming,’ Søderholm explains.

The success is built on many years of collaboration with Innovation Norway. Søderholm is clear about how important this support has been.

‘Innovation Norway has been one of our key sources of funding, particularly during the first few years. Radionor Communications has always been, and remains, a highly engineering-focused company with a strong emphasis on development. In those early years, this support was crucial in reducing uncertainty during critical phases,’ he says.

Developing innovative technology requires significant long-term investment. Radionor has invested several hundred million Norwegian kroner in development to create its unique technology platform. This long-term commitment is now beginning to pay off, and the company reinvests a large share of its profits in the business.

Our partnership with Radionor has enabled the company to take greater risks and accelerate the development of new products. This not only drives innovation, but also creates many new jobs in the technology sector and related industries.

Søderholm explains the company’s long-term approach:

‘Our strategy is to remain a global leader in this technology, so we reinvest our equity and profits in the company. We focus these investments on technology development, recruitment and production capacity. With support from Innovation Norway, we are now creating exciting high-tech jobs for 50 people at Radionor in 2025, as well as around 150 jobs at our suppliers,’ he says.

As recently as January 2024, Radionor received a NOK 9 million innovation contract grant and a NOK 6 million innovation loan from Innovation Norway for a new, pioneering project.

Radionor's products are manufactured in partnership with Norwegian suppliers and exported to NATO countries, where the solutions help create a safer society and strengthen emergency preparedness and security.

‘Radionor Communications AS has extensive expertise in electronics, antennas, wireless broadband communications and positioning systems,’ says customer advisor Hans Fredrik Emdal at Innovation Norway Trøndelag.

‘The company is market-oriented and places great emphasis on developing new, advanced, long-range communication solutions for safety-critical applications together with its customers. We are confident that Radionor Communications AS will succeed with this initiative and continue to grow,’ he adds.

‘We are driven to create something the world has never seen before by finding innovative solutions that meet operational needs. That is why you can expect many exciting developments from Radionor in the years ahead,’ Søderholm concludes.