The Valkyrie system, selected earlier this month for a pilot programme, will now undergo operational testing within manoeuvre units and at the Army Weapons School. The pilot focuses on concept and technology development across multiple Army units.
“This swarm we are delivering now is a product under development. We will continue to improve the swarm, add features, and update the software continuously based on feedback from the Army,” said Dr. Jan Dyre Bjerknes, Chief Technology Officer at Six Robotics.
Six Robotics designs its systems in close collaboration with the military to ensure usability and effectiveness. “If you are not close to the operators who will use the product, you quickly end up building the wrong things,” Bjerknes said. “We need to see what works and what doesn’t, not in theory, but in practice. That’s how we make sure our systems solve real problems for the people on the ground.”
FFI’s Deputy Director, Jan Erik Torp, echoed the importance of collaboration in maintaining technological advantage. “We are in a technological race in drone technology. It’s important that we don’t fall asleep at the wheel,” he said, adding that “this is the right way to develop military materiel today, through continuous development and direct involvement of end users.”
In the coming months, Six Robotics will deliver more Valkyrie swarm systems and carry out training to support Army personnel in field testing. These trials will help refine both hardware and software in close coordination with Army units and FFI.
The delivery marks a key milestone for Six Robotics and reflects broader progress in integrating autonomous systems into the Norwegian Armed Forces. It signals a move toward operational capabilities where human operators are supported by adaptive, mission-ready technology.
