| 19.08.2025 | Berte Gressberg

Photo: Ole Andreas Vekve / Forsvaret

As a strategic partner to the Forsvaret – Norwegian Armed Forces, Teleplan played a key role in the development of the Network-Enabled Weapons (NEW) software—an innovation that enhances real-time precision strike capabilities in modern combat environments. The project stands as a testament to what is possible when deep industry expertise is combined with forward-leaning military strategy.

When allied forces were deployed in Iraq, they encountered a critical limitation: a lack of all-weather moving target capability. Traditional laser-guided systems required clear weather conditions and quickly became ineffective under cloud cover. The turning point came when the United States introduced NEW capabilities into the Link 16 standard. Recognizing this opportunity, the Norwegian Armed Forces (NAF) began experimenting with how to operationalize NEW within their own context, aiming to maximize the operational effect of major acquisitions such as the F-35, P-8, and Joint Strike Missile (JSM).

Teleplan joined forces with NOBLE and NAF (later handed over to the Mime program) to transform this concept into a field-ready capability. Since 2013 , this collaboration has brought together complementary strengths: Mime as the financial driving force, NOBLE as the experimental and conceptual lead, and Teleplan as the industrial partner responsible for building the actual software and systems.

Unlike traditional weapon programs, NEW have far-reaching implications across the entire force structure—from delivery platforms and JTAC equipment to communication networks and command centers. This systemic integration is what makes NEW not just a weapon enhancement, but a transformational capability.

Enabling Innovation Through Industry Expertise

A project of this magnitude required deep technical knowledge and agile development practices. Teleplan provided access to highly skilled software developers with expertise in tactical data-links and battle management systems. Our role was to ensure that the emerging NEW capabilities could be translated from operational need into tested, deployable systems.

Cutting-edge solutions only emerge when military needs are directly aligned with industry capabilities. This alignment allowed for fast prototyping, rigorous testing, and efficient implementation—pushing innovation beyond traditional boundaries.

One of the biggest challenges in delivering transformational capabilities is gathering practical user feedback. While NOBLE led engagement and training with operational users, Teleplan continuously refined the system based on real-world input. This iterative process was crucial to shaping a system that is now being viewed as a benchmark for future network-enabled strike solutions.

The capability was successfully demonstrated at scale during Exercise Jotun Strike in May 2025—a groundbreaking multinational exercise held in Northern Norway, where Norwegian and U.S. forces trained side by side. The NEW system was operationally validated through coordinated missions involvinginvolving U.S. Air Force F‑15E fighters and the Norwegian Armed Forces. The exercise marked a major milestone, showcasing the technology and confirming its effectiveness through close NATO cooperation. This not only proved the capability, but also demonstrated how it enhances interoperability between national and allied forces in a modern battlespace.

Strategic Collaboration – Voices from the Project

“The NEW system proves what’s possible when operational needs, military innovation, and industry expertise align. With Mime’s flexible funding, NOBLE’s insight, and Teleplan’s execution, we turned a key opportunity into a combat-ready capability. Already integrated into NORBMS/FACNAV,it’s ready for operational use in support of multi-domain operations. This effort exemplifies Mime’s mission—agile, effective, and relevant. I consider it one of the most efficient, purpose-driven acquisitions to date.”

Says Bjørn Tore Markussen, CTO, Norwegian Armed Forces