Telenor Subsidiary KNL Secures Danish Armed Forces Framework Agreement for Secure High-Frequency Communications Under NORDEFCO

Telenor Subsidiary KNL Secures Danish Armed Forces Framework Agreement for Secure High-Frequency Communications Under NORDEFCO

(IN BRIEF) Telenor subsidiary KNL has secured a framework agreement enabling the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation to procure its secure high-frequency communications systems for the Danish Armed Forces, making Denmark the third Nordic country to join KNL’s NORDEFCO arrangement after Finland and Sweden. The agreement builds on a ten-year framework running from 2025 to 2035 for CNHF communication systems, under which three publicly announced orders have reached a combined value of approximately €23.5 million. KNL’s technology operates independently of infrastructure such as SATCOM and GNSS, can establish connections automatically in under one second and is designed to maintain encrypted communications during jamming and other electromagnetic interference. Dan Ouchterlony of Telenor said Denmark’s participation broadens Nordic cooperation around secure communications, while KNL CEO Toni Lindén described it as an endorsement of the company’s technology and a platform for further expansion. KNL has also qualified for the UK’s RM6393 tactical communications framework, worth up to £4.7 billion over eight years, and is discussing potential cooperation with other NATO countries.

(PRESS RELEASE) FORNEBU/OULU, 11-Sep-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Telenor subsidiary KNL has secured a framework agreement enabling the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) to procure KNL’s secure high-frequency communication systems on behalf of the Danish Armed Forces.

Denmark becomes the third Nordic country to participate in KNL’s framework arrangement under Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO), joining Finland and Sweden in using the procurement structure for secure communications technology.

The agreement expands KNL’s role in Nordic defence communications as armed forces seek resilient systems capable of operating independently of external infrastructure, including satellite communications and global navigation satellite systems.

Denmark joins existing Finnish and Swedish cooperation

The Danish agreement builds on an existing ten-year NORDEFCO framework agreement between KNL and the Finnish and Swedish Armed Forces.

That arrangement covers the period from 2025 to 2035 and provides for the delivery of CNHF communication systems.

According to KNL, three orders have so far been publicly announced under the framework, with a combined value of approximately €23.5 million.

Denmark’s participation extends the procurement arrangement to a third Nordic defence force while creating further opportunities for regional interoperability and cooperation.

NORDEFCO framework open to all five Nordic countries

The agreement has been signed within the NORDEFCO structure, which facilitates collaboration and joint procurement among Nordic defence organisations.

All five NORDEFCO countries — Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden — are eligible to participate in the framework.

The mechanism is intended to make it easier for Nordic countries to procure compatible technologies and strengthen cooperation across national defence organisations.

KNL’s expanding participation in the framework reflects growing interest in secure communications capabilities that can be deployed across Nordic operational environments.

Telenor highlights growing need for independent communications

Dan Ouchterlony, Head of Telenor Corporate Development Portfolio, said Finland and Sweden have already established a strong foundation for Nordic cooperation around CNHF communications.

He described Denmark’s decision to join the framework as a logical extension of that cooperation as Nordic countries strengthen their ability to operate together.

Ouchterlony said the development reflects increasing demand across the region for communications technologies that can function securely and independently during demanding operational situations.

KNL technology operates without SATCOM or GNSS infrastructure

KNL has spent more than ten years developing high-frequency communications technology designed to operate without dependence on external infrastructure such as satellite communications (SATCOM) and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS).

The company said its system can establish a connection automatically in less than one second.

Communications are encrypted, while the connection is designed to remain stable in environments affected by jamming and other electromagnetic interference.

These characteristics are becoming increasingly important for defence users seeking communications resilience when conventional infrastructure may be degraded, disrupted or unavailable.

High-frequency communications support resilient operations

High-frequency communications can provide connectivity beyond the limitations of conventional line-of-sight systems and can function without relying on satellite-based infrastructure.

For defence forces, this can provide an additional communications option during operations where satellite connectivity or navigation services may be contested or unavailable.

KNL positions its technology as a secure and robust connectivity platform intended to maintain communications under demanding electromagnetic conditions.

The Danish framework agreement gives DALO a procurement route through which these systems can be acquired for the Danish Armed Forces.

Toni Lindén sees Nordic expansion as validation of KNL technology

Toni Lindén, CEO of KNL, said the addition of Denmark means the company now has agreements with three Nordic defence forces.

He described the development as a strong endorsement of KNL’s technology and an important foundation for further international expansion.

Lindén said demand for independent and resilient communications systems is increasing alongside changes in the global security environment.

The company expects the broader Nordic footprint to support both future procurement opportunities within NORDEFCO and its expansion into other defence markets.

UK tactical communications framework broadens international reach

The Danish agreement follows KNL’s recent inclusion on a United Kingdom framework for tactical communications systems.

KNL secured a position on the UK RM6393 tactical communication systems framework, which has a potential overall value of up to £4.7 billion over eight years.

KNL is one of several qualified suppliers under the arrangement and will compete for individual contracts as specific requirements are tendered.

Being admitted to the framework does not itself represent an award of the full framework value, but it gives KNL access to future competitive procurement opportunities under the programme.

Discussions underway with additional NATO countries

KNL is also holding discussions with several other NATO countries regarding potential future cooperation.

The company sees opportunities for its communications technology as defence organisations place greater emphasis on secure and resilient connectivity that can remain operational independently of vulnerable external infrastructure.

Lindén said the combination of the Nordic agreements, the UK framework position and discussions in other NATO markets is strengthening KNL’s position in beyond-line-of-sight communications.

Agreement strengthens Telenor’s defence technology portfolio

As a Telenor subsidiary, KNL forms part of the Group’s broader technology portfolio and brings specialised expertise in secure communications for demanding operational environments.

The Danish agreement expands the company’s established footprint in Nordic defence while supporting Telenor’s exposure to communications technologies outside conventional commercial telecommunications services.

For KNL, NORDEFCO provides a platform through which its systems can be adopted by multiple defence forces operating within a shared regional security framework.

Nordic defence cooperation creates platform for future growth

The extension of the framework to Denmark demonstrates how common procurement structures can support wider adoption of communications technologies across several countries.

With Finland, Sweden and Denmark now covered by KNL agreements, the company has established a growing base across the Nordic defence market.

The arrangement may also provide opportunities to strengthen technological compatibility and procurement efficiency as participating countries increase defence cooperation.

KNL plans to use this foundation alongside its UK framework position and discussions with NATO members to pursue additional growth in secure and resilient communications.

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SOURCE: Telenor