FFI’s new research and development plan 2021–2024
“The technological development is rapidly advancing and sets high standards for the Armed Forces. This plan will contribute to making the Armed Forces as capable as possible, faced with the challenges of tomorrow,” states acting Director General at FFI, Espen Skjelland.
On April the 6th, the Norwegian Minister of Defence Frank Bakke-Jensen formally received the new research and development plan. FFI has planned for activities for at least four billion NOK in the coming four years.
The main research and development plan itself is classified as confidential and consists of more than 150 detailed project descriptions. However, we have recently published an open access short version. In this version, you can read more about:
- FFI’s perspectives on the primary challenges of the Armed Forces
- The most important technological trends that will affect Norway’s security and the Armed Forces
- The most important FFI research projects and activities in the following years
From the bottom of the sea to space
FFI has more than 500 researchers and engineers who works with everything from rocket science (literally speaking) to economic analysis. All in order to strengthen Norwegian defence.
A large portion of the research activity is technical and scientific support related to the massive materiel investments in the Armed Forces. However, FFI researchers also work with technology development and experimentation.
“There is always some new and groundbreaking technology we need know about and must be able to handle in order to do our job,” says Espen Skjelland, acting Director General at FFI.
Selected news from the new plan:
- As of 1 January 2021, FFI has established the Sensor and Surveillance Systems Division.
This division will focus on how technology might provide a better overview of what is happening around us. Autonomy and artificial intelligence (AI) will contribute to huge changes in this field, in both civil society and the Armed Forces.
- A new project, Strategic Defence Analysis, will provide advice to the top management in the Armed Forces
FFI will provide advice and support in the strategic development of the Armed Forces, making sure it adapts according to major trends in the world.
- More extensive research on cyber operations and electronic warfare
In the future, we will become more dependent on wireless communication in leading and managing military units. Many scenarios are based on advanced cyber and electronic threats.
- Military-civilian cooperation
A new project, The Total Defence 2040, will look into how we can create a broader understanding and resilience in civil society.
- New innovation centers
FFI will contribute to making Norwegian companies capable to develop technology and products that the Armed Forces can use. We will therefore establish new innovation arenas for testing and experimentation with links to the Armed Forces’ operational activities.