Defence & Security
When defence contracts become complex, choose experience. SANDS offers leading expertise in defence procurement, defence contracts and disputes, coupled with in-depth knowledge of the Norwegian Armed Forces' practices and decision-making processes.
Unique legal and operational understanding of the defence sector
SANDS has extensive experience in advising clients across the defence and security sector. We combine rigorous legal expertise with a deep understanding of the industry, developed through working on some of the most complex and wide-ranging equipment procurements in Norway.
Our team brings together expertise in procurement law, contract law and litigation, alongside significant experience from both the supplier side and the Norwegian Armed Forces' own operations. This affords us a unique ability to understand both our clients' needs and the Norwegian Armed Forces' procedures and decision-making processes.
We advise on strategically important matters throughout the entire contract lifecycle — from qualification and tendering, through contract negotiations and implementation, to the resolution of disputes.
What we assist with
We have advised a number of national and international players through lengthy and demanding contract processes. Our expertise makes us a natural choice in matters such as:
Defence procurement
- Procurement law and qualification for participation in tenders
- Advice on the regulations governing defence and security procurement
- Strategic guidance in complex and security-sensitive procurement processes
Contracts and negotiations
- Negotiations with the Norwegian Armed Forces on extensive and complex contracts
- Contract monitoring and management of variations
- Assessment of contractual breaches and potential remedies
Disputes and litigation
- Disputes arising before and after delivery
- Delays, defects and discrepancies between agreed and delivered performance
- Analysis of causal factors and the Norwegian Armed Forces' potential liability
Export, international relations and industrial cooperation
SANDS has extensive experience working with international players in the defence industry and a thorough understanding of the contractual practices of major foreign suppliers.
We assist with, amongst other things:
- Export controls and export licences
- International contractual relationships
- Industrial cooperation and offset obligations
Start-ups and businesses entering the defence sector
SANDS works closely with start-ups and scale-ups in the defence and security sectors. We have a thorough understanding of the regulatory, contractual and commercial challenges these businesses face — both nationally and internationally.
We assist with, amongst other things, the establishment of cooperation structures, contracts, regulatory matters and strategic assessments related to growth and internationalisation.
The team
SANDS has a substantial team with broad and deep insight into defence contracts and the Norwegian Armed Forces' practices. This expertise has been built, among other things, through work on some of the most extensive equipment procurements and disputes in the Norwegian defence sector.
The team is led by partner Stein Hegdal. He has extensive experience from the supplier side in some of the largest Norwegian equipment procurements, combined with over 20 years in the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Six of those years were spent working within the Armed Forces' procurement operations, including three years stationed at the shipyard for ULA-class submarines, where he was responsible for contract monitoring and negotiations of amendments.
Kjersti Holum Karlstrøm | Partner
Kjersti Holum Karlstrøm is one of Norway's most recognised lawyers in the field of public procurement.
She was appointed as a member of the legislative committee that drafted the proposal for a new Defence Procurement Act, and currently sits on the national Complaints Board for Public Procurement (KOFA). Her expertise is a central part of SANDS' offering in the defence and security sector.
Lars Berge Andersen has advised the Norwegian and international supply industry for many years. He has a background in the offshore and oil services industry, including as Head of Legal at Aker Solutions ASA.
He regularly advises Norwegian suppliers on deliveries to the defence industry. Recent projects include deliveries to the US Coast Guard, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Italian Navy. Andersen is also a board member of Defendo Group AS.
Nicolai Skridshol has worked closely with the defence industry for many years, with a particular focus on the assessment and management of risks associated with commercial partnerships.
He advises on, amongst other things, agency and joint venture agreements, sanctions and export controls, including background checks on individuals and companies, as well as compliance requirements in international markets.
Andreas Fuglesang has extensive experience in negotiating supply agreements, sales agreements and other commercial collaboration agreements between Norwegian and international companies.
He also works extensively with investments in innovation companies. Within the defence sector, he collaborates with, amongst others, DI5 — a Norwegian hub for defence innovation — and he advises several Norwegian and Ukrainian drone manufacturers.
Oscar Johannes Oksavik | Senior Lawyer
Oscar Johannes Oksavik specialises in dispute resolution, EU/EEA law and defence and security-related matters.
His background as a deputy judge, combined with experience from both the public and private sectors, gives him a solid understanding of how contracts are interpreted and enforced. He has extensive experience in negotiations, mediation and litigation.
Andreas Gothe Schultz | Senior Lawyer
Andreas Gothe Schultz specialises in dispute resolution and has broad experience in complex commercial disputes, damages claims and advising on commercial contracts.
He also has significant experience in compliance and risk management, and regularly handles cases involving technically complex issues.
Robin Alexander Kunze | Senior Lawyer
Robin Alexander Kunze is a German lawyer who works primarily with intellectual property law, commercial contracts and data protection.
He regularly handles cases involving complex technological issues, where his ability to grasp advanced technical matters and place them in the correct legal context is particularly valuable.
Hedda Loftesnes Skaar | Associate
Hedda Loftesnes Skaar advises on public procurement, contract law and litigation.
She has experience from both the contracting authority and supplier sides, and previously worked at the Norwegian Agency for The Norwegian Agency for Public and Financial Management (DFØ), where she contributed to the update of the guidance on public procurement regulations.
