Atlantic Future Forum calls for higher defence output and industry backing
Representatives from 30 countries across Europe and the Atlantic met in Oslo on 11-12 November for the Atlantic Future Forum 2026, held at the invitation of the United Kingdom and Norway. 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 spoke. In a statement from the co-hosts, participants reaffirmed NATO as the foundation of collective security and backed a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO.
Industrial and technology priorities
The statement says greater European responsibility must rest on 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
Participants also stressed the value of exchanging tactical and operational experience on modern warfare, including total defence and technological innovation, and applying lessons from Ukraine to future capability development.
Security and resilience
The statement describes Russian aggression as a growing and evolving threat and says Ukraine's security is fundamental to Euro-Atlantic security. Participants committed to continued support for Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and reaching a just and lasting peace.
National resilience was named as a core part of deterrence and defence. Participants pointed to whole-of-society approaches drawing on Nordic and Allied experience, protecting critical infrastructure, and closer cooperation across government, industry and civil society.
Maritime security and upholding international law at sea under UNCLOS were agreed as essential to the region's security and prosperity. The statement cites the Northern Navies Framework, signed on 10 November by the Joint Expeditionary Force Naval Chiefs, as an example of this cooperation.
The statement does not set out specific funding amounts, contracts or targets for production.
Source: GOV.UK jobs investment · Image: Pixabay