Nordics CBRN Defence Market Size and Forecast by Threat Type, Equipment, End User, and Platform: 2019-2033

Nordics CBRN Defence Industry Outlook

The Nordics CBRN defence market is undergoing a significant transformation driven by regional security challenges, NATO interoperability goals, and cross-border collaboration. Heightened geopolitical tension—especially post-Ukraine conflict—has prompted governments in Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark to strengthen their CBRN readiness. Countries are ramping up defence budgets with a specific focus on CBRN preparedness.

Finland, for instance, has implemented a robust CBRNE preparedness action plan that prioritizes civil-military coordination, early-warning systems, and advanced protective equipment. This aligns with its deepened NATO integration. Meanwhile, Norway’s seven-year procurement deal with Bertin Environics for defence squad kits demonstrates long-term investment in modern troop protection capabilities.

Across the Nordics, investment trends point to growing end-user demand for dual-use technologies that protect both military and civil infrastructure. The market outlook remains bullish through 2033, with CAGR estimates trending above the European average. Also, regional players are increasingly seeking to lead in innovation while aligning with NATO and EU defence goals, making the Nordics CBRN defence industry a strategic frontier in Europe’s collective security architecture.

Strategic Enablers: Driving Forces Behind Market Expansion

Key drivers for the Nordics CBRN defence sector include rising hybrid warfare risks, asymmetric threat scenarios, and the imperative of civil resilience. The evolving nature of conflict—from cyber-to-chemical dimensions—requires early detection, mobility, and response capabilities. This has influenced governments to move from reactive to preventive CBRN defence postures. Norway’s recent contract with Bertin Environics for frontline CBRN squad kits directly addresses this shift, enhancing detection and decontamination capacity across high-risk units.

At a regional level, Bertin Exensor’s new framework agreement via NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) introduces Flexnet UGS (Unattended Ground Sensor) systems—an advanced surveillance capability that bolsters early-warning frameworks and perimeter defence. This initiative ensures better monitoring of potential CBRN-related incursions and asymmetric threats. Additionally, the infusion of AI into sensor analytics, mobility kits for hazardous environments, and battlefield deployable labs has gained momentum, particularly in Finland and Sweden.

As NATO pushes for integrated interoperability, Nordics countries are prioritizing common procurement programs and joint training exercises, further accelerating market growth. Together, these drivers position the Nordics CBRN defence market at the intersection of strategic preparedness and technological agility.

End User Adoption: Defence Forces, Civil Agencies, and Strategic Aid

Adoption patterns in the Nordics CBRN defence industry indicate diversified end-user involvement across military, border control, emergency response units, and civil protection agencies. Finnish Defence Forces are integrating early warning systems and collaborating with academic institutions to prototype next-gen CBRN protective gear. This focus on multi-layered defence strategies aims to bridge operational readiness between civil and military domains.

Notably, Finland’s delivery of CBRN protective kits and advanced sensors to Ukraine illustrates an emerging trend—Nordic nations playing active roles in international threat mitigation via technical aid. Civil defence agencies across Denmark and Sweden have begun retrofitting urban infrastructure with CBRN filtration and evacuation protocols, particularly in transport hubs and strategic public buildings. These moves reflect a shift in end-user priorities—from specialized military applications to whole-of-society readiness.

Further, Sweden’s healthcare and first-response sectors are adopting detection and decontamination technologies suitable for urban deployment, indicating a growing civilian market for portable, user-friendly CBRN tools. In short, market adoption is expanding both vertically (deepening defence capabilities) and horizontally (broadening societal protection), reinforcing the holistic evolution of the Nordics CBRN defence sector.

Indicators, Authorities, and Competitive Intelligence Across the Market

Several indicators point to continued robustness in the Nordics CBRN defence market, including increased CBRN-specific budget allocations, NATO-standardization benchmarks, and elevated cross-border procurement activities. Government agencies play pivotal roles in this landscape.

Finland’s Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Defence are actively co-managing CBRNE programs in conjunction with local emergency services and scientific bodies. Similarly, Norway’s Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) is central to long-term CBRN procurement and capability development. Regional cooperation under the NORDEFCO (Nordic Defence Cooperation) framework further supports harmonization of response protocols and shared technology platforms.

On the industry front, Bertin Technologies and its subsidiaries Bertin Exensor and Bertin Environics are rapidly emerging as influential players, securing multi-year framework deals for surveillance and squad kits. Other local players are collaborating with NATO-aligned firms to co-develop advanced biosensors and decontamination robotics.

Competitive strategies focus on modularity, AI integration, and NATO compatibility. International defence integrators like Saab and Thales are enhancing their regional presence by forming joint ventures or knowledge-sharing initiatives with Nordic universities. These dynamics collectively drive the Nordics CBRN defence industry toward strategic maturity, innovation, and operational scalability.

Author: Surender K (Vertical Head – Aerospace & Defence)

*Research Methodology: This report is based on DataCube’s proprietary 3-stage forecasting model, combining primary research, secondary data triangulation, and expert validation. [Learn more]

Nordics CBRN Defence Market Scope