Inter-Agency Cooperation Strengthens Research, Innovation and Total Defence in the Arctic

Luleå University of Technology, The Norrbotten Wing (F 21) - Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) have signed a letter of intent for research, innovation, and total defence in the Arctic. The letter of intent marks the start of a strategic collaboration to strengthen Sweden’s military and civilian preparedness.

“The cooperation between Luleå University of Technology, The Norrbotten Wing-F 21 and FMV strengthens both our research and Sweden’s preparedness in the north. Together we build knowledge and technology that contribute to a robust and resilient society,” says Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn, Vice-Chancellor at Luleå University of Technology.

The letter of intent was signed 5 December at Luleå University of Technology by Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn, Vice-Chancellor at Luleå University of Technology; Colonel Peter Greberg, Wing Commander of F 21 and Clas Nilsson, Head of Vidsel Test Range at FMV. The Government Bill Total Defence 2025–2030 forms the basis of the agreement, highlighting research, innovation, and education as central to the development of a robust and sustainable total defence.

By linking the university’s research environments with the operational and technical expertise of F 21 and FMV, the parties are now establishing a joint arena for research, testing, and innovation support under Arctic conditions. The new collaboration platform will contribute to strengthened national security, improved opportunities to develop and utilise technology for both civilian and military purposes, and long-term competence supply for total defence.

“The Arctic places unique demands on technology, innovation, and endurance. By bringing together research and total defence, we strengthen both our own and Sweden’s capabilities within the framework of our growing cooperation in NATO,” says Colonel Peter Greberg, Wing Commander of F 21.

The cooperation covers broad research and innovation areas such as autonomy and space systems, cyber security, resilient communications, energy and infrastructure resilience, logistics and mobility in the Arctic, as well as human–technology–organisation. The parties will also develop test and demonstration environments ranging from open civilian settings to security-protected environments for technology validation, enabling both rapid innovation and secure handling of sensitive systems.

FMV also regards the new cooperation structure as strategically important.

“At Vidsel Test Range we work daily with advanced testing and technical development. Through deeper collaboration with Luleå University of Technology and The Norrbotten Wing – F 21, we accelerate the development of future systems and capabilities. The combination of academic excellence, operational experience, and FMV’s testing and materiel expertise creates a unique national resource for innovation within total defence,” says Clas Nilsson.

The cooperation aligns with NATO’s priorities for the Arctic, where sustained presence, protection of critical infrastructure, technological development, and adaptation to the operational impacts of climate change are emphasised as central areas. Here, autonomous systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space play an increasingly decisive role in surveillance, command, logistics, and operational endurance in challenging Arctic environments. The capacity to develop, test, and integrate autonomous solutions is therefore a strategic part of the parties’ joint work and will guide research, innovation, testing, and the development of future capabilities.