Special Operations Research & Development

Norwegian Special Operations Forces (NORSOF) and Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) collaborate to ensure NORSOF remains a relevant and capable tool for Norwegian authorities into the future.

Background and Purpose

Innovation is a fundamental feature of special operations forces and crucial to stay ahead of adversaries on the battlefield.  To keep up with the current pace of technological development close interaction between the armed forces and research establishments is arguably more important than ever.

Recognizing this, long-standing partners NORSOF and FFI initiated the Special  Operations Research and Development  program (SORD) in 2012.

SORD was originally designed as a series of projects at FFI, funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence (MoD), to coordinate and strengthen NORSOF’s research and development activities. Guided by the Norwegian Special Operations Command (NORSOCOM) the program has provided basis for sound investment decisions, and promoted collaboration and innovation across organizational barriers.

Today, SORD continues to support the development of a relevant and capable  NORSOF to counter future challenges. The MoD has committed a considerable investment in NORSOF over the next decade.  SORD shall contribute to well-informed investment decisions to maximize NORSOF’s capability and capacity both in the short and long run.