Andøya Space has announced a change in leadership at its defence division. According to Andøya Space, Gunnar Jan Olsen is stepping down as head of Andøya Space Defence after nearly 25 years in the role. He will now move into a new position as Business Developer within the wider Andøya Space organization.
Olsen joined the company in 1999 when the defence unit was still called Nordic Sea Test Range and he was its only employee. Over the years, he oversaw significant growth, with the division expanding to 22 staff, including apprentices, and reaching multi-million-krone revenues.
The unit itself has also evolved during Olsen’s tenure. Established in 1997 as Nordic Sea Test Range, it was renamed Andøya Test Center in 2005 and later rebranded as Andøya Space Defence in 2020.
In his new role, Olsen will focus on defence business development across the Andøya Space group. His responsibilities will include contributing to dual-use technologies, supporting the national drone centre, assisting in spaceport development, and helping prepare the organisation for future defence market needs.
Tony Klæboe, who currently serves as Chief of Staff, has been appointed interim leader of Andøya Space Defence until a permanent successor is named.
Ketil Olsen, CEO of Andøya Space, thanked Gunnar Jan Olsen for his long service, noting that what began as a small test facility has grown under his leadership into a key European range for advanced defence system testing.
