The main aim and purpose of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) is to strengthen the participating nations´ national defence, explore common synergies and facilitate efficient common solutions. Furthermore, the NORDEFCO MOU of 2009 states that the objectives of NORDEFO among others are to achieve technological benefits and to promote the competitiveness of the defence industry.

NORDEFCO structure

The NORDEFCO structure includes political and military cooperation levels. In the Policy Steering Committee, nations are represented by senior departmental officers, such as the Policy Director, The Military Coordination Committee consists of flag-officers, representing the nations´ chiefs of defence.

The NORDEFCO structure is a cooperation structure, not a command structure. Cooperation activities initiated from top or bottom are facilitated and agreed within in the structure, but the actual realization and participation in activities remain national decisions.

Once a cooperation activity is implemented, it will be run by the regular, existing national chain of command. When the activity is being implemented, a NORDEFCO agreement will decide upon a framework or lead nation concept for the activity. Examples of this could be educational cooperation, where responsiblity is divided between the nations or a common exercise plan with a rotating host nation scheme for major exercises.

Cooperation with the Nordic defence industry

COPA ARMA coordinates a meaningful dialogue with the Nordic defense industry, a stated goal of NORDEFCO.

The prime point of contact and dialogue partner in this regard is the Joint Nordic Defence Industry Cooperation Group (JNDICG), comprising of the Nordic nations' defence industry associations. Chairmanship of the JNDICG follows the one of NORDEFCO.