Testing and inspection with safety at the forefront
100 years of experience in independent TIC services – supporting safety, compliance and defense
Testing and inspection with safety at the forefront
100 years of experience in independent TIC services – supporting safety, compliance and defense
Defense industry
DEKRA supports the defense sector throughout the entire lifecycle
The European defence sector is undergoing a period of rapid transformation. Emerging technologies, increased digitalization, stricter security requirements, and evolving geopolitical conditions are placing greater demands on government agencies, defence contractors, and suppliers.
At the same time, equipment, systems, and infrastructure must meet extensive requirements for safety, reliability, performance, and regulatory compliance. Ensuring operational readiness requires independent verification and validation throughout the entire lifecycle—from development and testing to deployment and maintenance.
Why the defense industry chooses DEKRA
One partner. Four defense areas. The capacity to deliver.
As an independent TIC (Testing, Inspection and Certification) partner, DEKRA has the capacity to handle complex specialist assignments. Testing can be carried out on site, at the customer's premises or at one of our many laboratories across Sweden and Europe. As a partner to the defense industry, we offer broad technical expertise and resources to meet demanding requirements for safety, quality and delivery capability.
Our operations cover four key areas of defense equipment:
- Naval vessels – testing and verification of vessels and marine systems.
- Aviation – advanced inspection and testing of aircraft, helicopters, components and engine parts, both during manufacturing and in operation. Approved in accordance with EASA Part-145.
- Ammunition – safe and qualified testing of large-calibre ammunition and related equipment.
- Land vehicles– testing and verification of vehicles and systems for demanding operational environments.
With extensive testing capacity and experience of security-classified facilities, DEKRA can scale its services according to customer needs – from individual specialist tests to comprehensive testing programmes.
NDT and advanced testing of defense equipment
Defense equipment must operate safely and reliably under demanding conditions. Before equipment and systems are brought into operational service, thorough testing and verification are therefore required for materials, components, structures and complete systems.
DEKRA provides advanced testing and verification with specialist expertise in non-destructive testing (NDT). We have experience working with defense equipment, including ammunition, and carrying out assignments at security-classified facilities. Using high-tech testing equipment, we can handle complex and safety-critical testing assignments.
We can also develop and customise testing systems for specific requirements, for example for automated and digitalised systems.
When reliability is crucial.
Our services include:
- Non-destructive testing (NDT) – advanced methods for detecting cracks, material defects, corrosion and other deviations without affecting the functionality of the equipment. NDT is carried out in accordance with applicable procedures and requirements under ISO 9712, as well as US standards and regulations, such as ASNT and ASTM. Specific requirements may also apply under military standards, such as MIL-STD, DEF STAN and SAE AMS-STD.
- Testing of defense equipment and ammunition – experience in testing assignments where high requirements are placed on safety, precision and documentation.
- Environmental testing – verification of equipment functionality and durability under realistic and demanding operating conditions.
- Integrity assessments – analysis and verification of the technical integrity and functionality of critical components.
- Prototype and system testing – testing and verification from the development phase through to the finished product.
- Customised testing systems – development of tailored testing solutions for complex, automated and digitalised systems.
- Testing at security-classified facilities – experienced personnel and established procedures for assignments in security-classified and sensitive environments.
- Mobile testing solutions – the ability to conduct testing close to the equipment and at locations where fixed laboratories are not suitable.
Machinery safety and pressure equipment
Safe and compliant equipment for the defense industry.
The defense industry places high demands on the safety, reliability and regulatory compliance of machinery, production equipment and pressure equipment. DEKRA supports manufacturers and suppliers with independent assessments, testing and certification throughout the product lifecycle.
As a Notified Body (NoBo), DEKRA can carry out assessments in accordance with relevant European legislation, including the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) and the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED). We help defense-related organisations verify that equipment and systems meet applicable safety and regulatory requirements – from design and manufacturing to final assessment and documentation.
Independent expertise in machinery and pressure equipment safety.
Our services in this area include:
- Assessment and certification according to PED.
- Assessment of machinery according to the Machinery Directive. From 20 January 2027, this will be replaced by the new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230.
- CE marking and conformity assessment.
- Risk assessment and review of technical documentation.
- Assessment of pressure equipment and safety components.
- Independent verification of defense-related production and process equipment.
Specialized expertise for military aviation and operational readiness
For the defense industry, operational availability, safety, and readiness are critical. Through Force Aerospace Testing , DEKRA provides specialized non-destructive testing (NDT) services for military aircraft, aircraft engines, and aviation-related components.
With more than 30 years of experience in the aerospace sector and certified specialists with extensive expertise in advanced inspection methods, we help defense organizations ensure airworthiness and long-term operational reliability of critical assets.
Using techniques such as ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, radiographic testing, and thermography, we can identify cracks, material fatigue, and other critical defects without affecting the functionality of the equipment. This supports more efficient maintenance planning, reduced downtime, and enhanced operational capability for aircraft, helicopters, and other airborne systems.
DEKRA’s specialist expertise also supports service life extension programs, modernization initiatives, and component qualification activities. By combining Force Aerospace Testing’s aerospace engineering expertise with DEKRA’s extensive experience in inspection, testing, and quality assurance, we help defense organizations meet demanding requirements for reliability, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness throughout the entire lifecycle of their assets.
Resilience for a safer society
A society that keeps functioning – even when conditions change.
DEKRA contributes to societal resilience by strengthening safety, reliability and readiness in critical infrastructure and essential services. With expertise in TIC, risk management and technical safety, we help organisations prevent vulnerabilities and maintain critical functions – in peacetime, during crises and in times of heightened uncertainty.
Collaboration with the Security and Defence Industry Association
DEKRA is a member of SOFF, the Security and Defence Industry Association, a trade association for companies operating in the security and defence sector in Sweden. Read more at soff.se.
FAQ
DEKRA provides testing, verification, cybersecurity, certification, and sustainability services for defense-related systems, components, and operations across the air, land and naval domains.
Yes. DEKRA holds the accreditations required to perform testing, inspection, and certification in accordance with relevant defense standards. Our laboratories provide testing against both military and civilian requirements related to safety and quality.
We translate complex regulations and standards into structured testing, audit, and certification programs. This provides organizations with a clear basis for procurement, qualification, approval, and deployment activities.
DEKRA operates according to established procedures for information security, confidentiality, and secure data management. We also help organizations identify supply chain risks and strengthen the protection of business-critical information.
For optimal results, DEKRA should be involved during the development and prototype stages. Early verification reduces the risk of rework, delays, and costly approval processes later in the project lifecycle.
Yes. Through our European presence and regulatory expertise, we support cross-border projects and help organizations navigate varying national and international requirements.
Through pre-assessments, gap analyses, and accredited testing, we help organizations identify and address issues early, creating better conditions for efficient approval and qualification processes.
Yes. DEKRA has extensive experience in process safety within safety-critical industries. Our services include risk analyses, safety assessments, and support related to ATEX and IECEx requirements to help reduce the risk of major incidents.