Watchbird on an important defense mission to Ukraine
Meeting in Kyiv May 25 with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and the Norwegian State Secretary of Defense Marte Gerhardsen
Norwegian participation in Trade Mission 5 to Ukraine showcased the country’s growing industrial commitment to support Ukrainian resilience. The visit from His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon and State Secretary of Defense Marte Gerhardsen symbolized Norway’s unity of purpose from political leadership to private sector innovation in backing Ukraine’s fight for freedom and strengthening Europe’s shared security.
By Axel Krabberød, Watchbird
A Turning Point for Norwegian Defence Industry
When Watchbird (WB) was invited by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence (FD), to participate in Trade Mission 5 (TM5), hosted by the UK’s ADS Group in Kyiv in May 2025, we joined what became the largest British-led trade delegation to Ukraine so far. Over 50 companies from the Nordic countries including Dutch companies, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence (FD), The Norwegian Defense Research Establishment (FFI), the Norwegian Procurement Agency (FMA), Innovation Norway among others, were present. For Watchbird, our invitation was a recognition of our technology and a clear sign that Norway has competence, solutions, and a growing commitment and interest in contributing to Ukrainian requirements and needs.
At TM5, HRH Crown Prince Haakon met our CEO Rune Jomaas and CTO Tor Helge Henry, a moment that highlighted shared understanding of the SAFEKit™ needs to warfighters rooted in military innovation and experience with joint understanding of the sense of urgency. WB was privileged to present and hand over the SAFEKit™ with SAFEgaiter™ and SAFEgoogles™ to HRH Haakon, when HRH and the Norwegian State Secretary of Defense Marte Gerhardsen visited the Norwegian companies present.
“I was proud to lead the Norwegian trade delegation to Kyiv in May, and to accommodate His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon during the mission. Norwegian industry can contribute in the defence of Ukraine and the Norwegian government aims at supporting businesses that engage in Ukraine. Watchbird offers solutions that can save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and their effort to support Ukraine is very much appreciated.”
HRH and Gerhardsen presence were more than ceremonial; it was a testament of Norway´s commitment to Ukrainians fight for freedom and our support on the highest political and military level.
WB´s view is that without Team Norway support, their network and knowledge, it is difficult if not impossible to create business and support to the Ukrainian military system.
From Technology to Action
TM5 focused especially on technologies such as unmanned systems, sensor platforms, cyber, and communication. WB participated with our expertise within Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) sensors and SAFEgaiter™ (facemask) technology, a solution designed to protect soldiers’ respiratory health and keep them operational in polluted and harsh environments. Our presence in Ukraine is not symbolic, it is mission-driven and purposeful with a goal of supporting the Ukrainian fight for freedom protecting soldier health and operational efficiency level.
Today, more than 2,500 SAFEgaiters have been distributed and is being tested on the frontlines in Ukraine, receiving good feedback from the warfighters. The SAFEgaiter is a protective gear that saves lives, enhances operational effectiveness, and reduces long-term health consequences for those exposed to smoke, dust, toxic particles, and other airborne pollution. Through cooperation with FFI, the Norwegian Special Forces (FS) and Army, the gaiter has been developed, tested and validated. Together with received Ukrainian test results, the gaiter is soon “battle proven”.
The hand over of SAFEKit™ to the Azov Brigade, when the CEO Jomaas at WB were attending the 74th Free Ukraine donation tour in April 25.
Read more about the 74th Free Ukraine donation tour here
Norwegian Industry Responds to Encouraging Signals
Across the board, Norwegian businesses are leaning in. The momentum is tangible. There is a willingness to invest, produce, and deliver field-tested technologies. We see encouraging signals from Norwegian authorities including the Nansen program and there is optimism that structured frameworks for collaboration are taking shape. Closer coordination and coordination between the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, FFI, and Innovation Norway with industry players will strengthen our shared ability and intent to support Ukraine.
A Network for the Future
Through TM5, we’ve built meaningful ties with UK, Ukrainian, and Nordic partners. The Ukrainian defense support is evolving rapidly. We will start test production of SAFEgaiters in West Ukraine, Ukrainian troops have requested a great number of SAFEKits as part of WB application for the Nansen program. These processes aren’t distant possibilities they’re happening right now.
Shared Responsibility, Shared Opportunity
Our participation in TM5 shows that Norwegian technology has a place on the international stage. We are encouraged by the growing spirit of collaboration that is emerging between public institutions and industry. With continued alignment and shared determination, we can help ensure that Ukraine receives the support it needs swiftly and efficient.