The initiative RTO4DEF (RTOs for Nordic-Baltic Total Defence) brings together top applied research institutes from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Estonia. The alliance will mobilise dual-use research and innovation to support both civilian and military preparedness, reinforce supply chains, and accelerate technology development across Europe.
“Europe’s security increasingly depends on how effectively we connect civilian innovation with defence needs,” said Alexandra Bech Gjørv, CEO of SINTEF. “Through RTO4DEF, we are creating a stronger, coordinated platform to bring research-based knowledge, infrastructure and industrial collaboration to bear on urgent security challenges.”
Strengthening Europe’s technological and industrial base
RTO4DEF is designed to provide coordinated, independent and science-based support to national authorities and international frameworks, including NORDEFCO, the EU and NATO. The alliance will focus on:
• Rapid, coordinated expert support on critical technologies and standards
• Strengthening security of supply and resilience in Total Defence systems
• Coordinating Nordic-Baltic testbeds and verification infrastructure
• Accelerating innovation across the full Technology Readiness Level (TRL) spectrum
By connecting startups and SMEs with established industry players, the alliance aims to build scalable value chains and increase Europe’s industrial readiness in a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
From national efforts to regional scale
The launch comes at a time of significant geopolitical change in Northern Europe, with increasing emphasis on regional cooperation across east-west supply chains.
“We need to move faster, collaborate more broadly, and think beyond national frameworks,” said Gjørv. “To solve complex challenges, we must mobilise larger ecosystems that connect civilian and defence actors across the Nordic-Baltic region and Europe.”
The alliance builds on long-standing collaboration between research institutions, industry and defence stakeholders, including ongoing partnerships with companies such as Nammo and Kongsberg, as well as participation in multiple European Defence Fund projects.
Unique infrastructure and capabilities
The RTO partners collectively represent some of Europe’s most advanced research environments, combining laboratory infrastructure, testing facilities and scientific expertise across a wide range of disciplines.
At SINTEF, this includes more than 130 laboratories and world-leading capabilities. One example is the Ocean Technology Centre in Trondheim, currently under redevelopment to become the world’s most advanced facilities for education, research and innovation within the ocean space, will further strengthen Europe’s ability to develop, test and validate critical maritime and subsea solutions.
“The Nordic countries may not compete on size with global powers, but we can lead on precision, quality and advanced knowledge,” Gjørv said. “This is exactly the kind of capability Europe needs right now.”
VTT contributes to the alliance with its expertise in translating civilian technologies into defence capabilities across all operational domains — land, sea, air, cyber and space.
«Our collaboration with the Finnish Defence Forces provides strong insight into real operational requirements.» says Kalle Härkki, CEO and President of VTT.
A shared platform for foresight and collaboration
A key ambition of RTO4DEF is to develop shared technology foresight and roadmaps for Total Defence and resilience not only within the alliance, but also in close dialogue with national authorities and broader innovation ecosystems.
“In today’s security environment, it is critical that we bring our combined capabilities into play as quickly as possible,” Gjørv added. “RTO4DEF provides a concrete platform to do exactly that.”
About RTO4DEF
RTO4DEF is a strategic Nordic-Baltic collaboration between leading research and technology organisations in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Estonia. The alliance aims to strengthen Total Defence and societal resilience by mobilising research, innovation and industrial cooperation across the Nordic-Baltic region and Europe.
