Fritt Ukraina, Veteran Aid Ukraine and Cossack Wave admitted as Honorary Members of HNDIC
The High North Defence & Industry Cluster (HNDIC) is pleased to welcome Fritt Ukraina, Veteran Aid Ukraine, and the Ukrainian veteran organization Cossack Wave as honorary members of the cluster. Their admission marks an important and value-driven step in HNDIC's efforts to strengthen international cooperation in defense, preparedness, technology development, and rehabilitation, with particular emphasis on the exchange of experience between Norway and Ukraine.
Ukraine has, over several years, developed unique expertise in modern warfare, rapid innovation, and coordination between civilian, military, and volunteer actors. This experience represents a significant knowledge asset for the Norwegian and Nordic defense and security industries.
"We in Norway have much to learn from Ukraine — not only technologically, but also in terms of pace, innovation culture, and the ability to transform real-world needs into operational solutions," says Arne Dahlberg, managing director of HNDIC.
Cooperation on Industry, Technology, and Veteran-Focused Projects
Through these honorary memberships, HNDIC aims to facilitate concrete collaborative initiatives within:
technology development and testing under realistic conditions
rehabilitation and reintegration of war-injured veterans into civilian life
knowledge transfer between the military, civilian, and industrial sectors
work-oriented rehabilitation, retraining, and new career pathways
A particular focus going forward will be exploring joint projects aimed at war-injured Ukrainian veterans, where Norwegian industry, technology, and competence can be combined with Ukrainian operational experience.
About the Organizations
Fritt Ukraina is a Norwegian volunteer organization supporting Ukraine's struggle for freedom and sovereignty.
The organization contributes through humanitarian aid, material and financial support, as well as information and mobilization efforts in Norway. Fritt Ukraina serves as an important bridge between Norwegian support networks and documented needs in Ukraine.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Veteran Aid Ukraine is an organization with a clear focus on war veterans and their families.
It works with medical assistance, rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and reintegration into society and working life. Their efforts provide valuable insights into the challenges of modern veteran care following high-intensity and technology-driven warfare.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Cossack Wave is a formally registered, nationwide Ukrainian organization established on 9 December 2024, founded and led by war-injured veterans.
The organization has approximately 50 active members and is dedicated to safeguarding the interests of war-injured veterans and supporting their transition back to normal civilian life.
Cossack Wave is funded by AICO Group LLC, Phenyx Rebuild LLC, as well as private donors and cooperating volunteer organizations. It also operates under a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Union of Sportsmen and Veterans, which strengthens its reach and support network. Members are fully engaged in medical rehabilitation, psychological follow-up, social reintegration, and facilitation for work, retraining, and new career opportunities.
