Norwegian Ministers Visit NFM Group Headquarters in Ski

On August 6th, NFM Group welcomed Minister of Defence Tore Sandvik and Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust to our headquarters in Ski. They were accompanied by Members of Parliament Tuva Moflag and Mani Hussaini, as well as County Council Representative Gunvor Eldegård. 

The purpose of the visit was for the ministers to gain insights from NFM Group which has a strong international presence in the European defense industry. They were particularly interested in understanding where we stand today on the global stage — how we are contributing to international defense and security efforts and shaping our strategic direction in the current geopolitical climate. 

The delegation was welcomed by CEO Walter Øverland and Deputy CEO Nils Toverud, who introduced NFM Groups mission, strategic direction and capabilities. The delegation was presented with core product lines, such as the GARM ballistic underwear — a highly innovative and relevant product for soldiers on the ground— designed to enhance survivability while maintaining comfort and mobility. 

Nils H. Toverud, NFM Group Deputy CEO, explaining the details of the innovative and highly relevant ballistic garments in the GARM series. Photo: Håkon Mæland

Susanne Thomesen, Team Principal and PhD in Structural Engineering, led the group through NFM Groups ballistic laboratory, where she explained how the company performs in-house testing to ensure compliance with international standards and benchmarks. This rigorous testing process is central to NFM Groups commitment to delivering trustworthy protection to those who serve.

Susanne Thomesen, Team Principal and PhD in Structural Engineering, explaining ballistic testing technology to Ministers Tore Sandvik and Åsmund Aukrust, MP’s Mani Hussaini and Tuva Moflag, and County Council rep. Gunvor Eldegård. Photo: Håkon Mæland

Preben W. Fossum, Key Account Manager, provided a briefing on the THOR Modular Combat Vest System, which are currently being fielded by the Norwegian Defence Forces. The system is designed to meet the operational needs of modern soldiers, combining modularity with advanced ballistic performance.

Preben W. Fossum, Key Account Manager, showcasing the THOR Modular Combat Vest system to Ministers Tore Sandvik and Åsmund Aukrust and MP Tuva Moflag. Photo: Håkon Mæland

Espen Ringøy, Product Manager, presented the SKJOLD and HJELM series — NFM Groups next-generation ballistic protection systems. He began by outlining the SKJOLD product line, currently fielded by the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Police, and other governmental services. He highlighted the plates’ lightweight design, offering full protection with reduced burden. Espen then introduced HJELM, NFM Groups fourth-generation helmet system, emphasizing its modularity, low weight, and innovative features that distinguish it from legacy systems.

Espen Ringøy, Product Manager, briefing ministers Tore Sandvik and Åsmund Aukrust, as well as MP Tuva Moflag on the HJELM system. Photo: Håkon Mæland

The visit concluded with discussions around the importance of industrial capacity, close cooperation between Norwegian defense industry and government, and the role of companies like NFM Group in strengthening European preparedness. 

We thank all representatives for their time and interest in NFM Group, and for the conversations around soldier protection, innovation, and strategic resilience.

Pictured from left to right: Espen Ringøy (Product Manager), Viktoria Johannesen (ESG Director), Gunnar Børte (CEO, Equipnor), Mani Hussaini (Member of Parliament), Preben Warming Fossum (Key Account Manager), Walter Øverland (CEO, NFM Group), Tore O. Sandvik (Minister of Defence), Nils Holm Toverud (Deputy CEO, NFM Group), Carl F. Sejersted Bødtker (Chairman), Tuva Moflag (Member of Parliament), Åsmund Aukrust (Minister of International Development), and Gunvor Eldegård (County Council Representative). Photo: Håkon Mæland