Atlantic Future Forum backs defence industry ramp-up, SME access
Representatives from 30 countries met in Oslo on 11 and 12 November at the invitation of the United Kingdom and Norway for the Atlantic Future Forum 2026. The event was hosted aboard HMS Prince of Wales, following the carrier's participation in NATO's Arctic Sentry, which reinforced collective defence in the Arctic and High North.
More than 50 political and military leaders, government officials and industry figures took part. In a statement issued by the co-hosts, participants reaffirmed NATO as the foundation of collective security and backed a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO.
Industrial commitments
The statement said greater European responsibility for security must be backed by sustained investment and stronger industrial and technological partnerships. Participants endorsed the need to:
- ramp up production
- accelerate innovation
- give industry clear signals and support to invest
- strengthen the European defence industrial base and support NATO requirements
- enable start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises, alongside traditional primes, to bring new technology into capability faster
The co-hosts also pointed to the importance of cooperation across government, industry and civil society in protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening preparedness. Participants described national resilience as a core part of deterrence and defence, drawing on Nordic and Allied experience of total defence.
Security backdrop
Participants described Russian aggression as a growing and evolving threat and said they would continue to support Ukraine. They agreed on increasing the exchange of tactical and operational experience on modern warfare, and applying lessons from Ukraine to future capability development.
The statement also noted the signing of the Northern Navies Framework by the Joint Expeditionary Force Naval Chiefs on 10 November, and agreed that maritime security and upholding international law at sea under UNCLOS are essential to Euro-Atlantic security and prosperity.
The statement sets out no specific funding figures or contracts.
Source: GOV.UK critical minerals · Image: Pixabay