KEYNOTES – CUAS – NETWORK

INVITATION TO THE BORDER SECURITY SUMMIT IN KIRKENES, NORWAY

We are pleased to invite you to the upcoming Border Security Summit, hosted by UAS Norway, INTERPOL and National Crime Agency, focusing on the evolving landscape of drone technology in border security. This exclusive event will be held in Kirkenes, one of Europe’s northernmost border towns, located near at the very high north of Norway.

WHY ATTEND?

The rapid advancement of drone technology presents both opportunities and challenges in the realm of border security. Drones and UxV are increasingly utilized for surveillance, reconnaissance, and defense operations. However, the proliferation of drones and UxV also poses significant threats, including unauthorized incursions and potential espionage activities. Recent incidents have highlighted the urgency for robust counter-drone measures to protect national security interests. 

SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Expert Insights: Engage with leading authorities on the latest international trends and technological developments in drone and UxV applications and countermeasures.

• Strategic Discussions: Delve into the complexities of border security, considering the geopolitical dynamics and technological innovations shaping the future.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with key stakeholders, including policymakers, industry experts, and defense personnel, to foster collaborations and share best practices.​

WHY KIRKENES?

Kirkenes is a unique and strategically located town in Northern Europe, situated near the borders of Russia, Finland, and Sweden, with the Arctic as its backdrop. As a community living in close proximity to an international border, Kirkenes has for years been at the center of discussions on regional security, cross-border cooperation, and geopolitical dynamics.

In recent years, reports have highlighted instances of GNSS interference in Northern Norway, including areas near Kirkenes. Could this be linked to military activities on the Kola Peninsula, or are there other factors at play? While the full scope of such disruptions remains a subject of analysis, the phenomenon has raised important questions about the resilience of critical infrastructure and the operational challenges faced in this region.

Furthermore, Kirkenes’ role as a hub for trade, tourism, and international collaboration has drawn attention to the complexities of operating in a borderland environment. What does it mean for a community to be situated so close to a major military presence? How does this impact technology, communications, and security measures?

By choosing Kirkenes as the setting for this summit, we invite participants to explore these questions firsthand, engaging with experts and local stakeholders to better understand the realities of operating in a region shaped by both cooperation and strategic considerations.

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REGISTRATION:

We kindly inform you that participation in this summit is limited, and each attendee will be considered based on their relevance to the event’s themes. Our goal is to ensure that discussions and insights remain highly valuable and focused. We appreciate your understanding and encourage those with a strong connection to the topics covered to express their interest in joining.

Note: This conference is closed to the public and has a limited number of participants.

Address: Kirkenes

Dates: 27-29 of August 2025