Ubiq Aerospace and Boeing partner to build new icing wind tunnel in Trondheim

Trondheim, Norway, October 7, 2025 – Today, Ubiq Aerospace and Boeing announced a partnership to build a new icing wind tunnel (IWT) in Trondheim, Norway. The facility will deliver advanced capability for testing and validating drones, subsystems, and sensors in controlled icing and cold-weather environments. It will also provide researchers with new opportunities to study icing phenomena and advance aerospace safety in cold-weather operations.

The IWT is phase one of Ubiq’s Foundry initiative, a long-term effort to establish Trondheim as a hub for rapid R&D, smart, large-volume manufacturing, and operational test infrastructure. By shortening the path from concept to operational capability, Foundry is designed to help allied nations accelerate the deployment of mission-critical technologies.

“This tunnel will significantly strengthen Ubiq’s development capacity and provide allied partners with a world-class test facility,” said Kim Lynge Sørensen, CEO of Ubiq Aerospace. “It also marks the first step of Foundry, where infrastructure, prototyping, and production come together to close the gap between invention and deployment at scale.”

Boeing will leverage its extensive experience in aerospace engineering and testing to ensure the icing wind tunnel meets the highest standards of performance and safety. This partnership aligns with Boeing's commitment to advancing aerospace safety and innovation, particularly in harsh weather conditions that impact flight operations. Previously, Boeing partnered with Ubiq on shaping the next generation of uncrewed aircraft capable of operating in extreme climates, specifically focusing on addressing the defense needs of Norway and its allies.

“Boeing is proud to collaborate with Ubiq on this important project,” said Phil Schneider, Director of European International Strategic Partnerships at Boeing. “The Ubiq icing wind tunnel will deliver unique test and validation capability for the next generation of aircraft and autonomous systems. Just as importantly, it anchors a broader vision in the Foundry initiative, one that creates the infrastructure to continuously adapt, upgrade, and scale technology at the pace modern defense requires. This project reflects Boeing’s commitment to innovation, partnerships, and supporting resilient capabilities in Norway and across NATO.”

The construction and operation of the icing wind tunnel are expected to create numerous jobs in the Trondheim area, contributing to the local economy. As the Foundry initiative evolves, Boeing and Ubiq aim to expand the facility's capabilities to include additional testing environments and technologies that address emerging challenges in aerospace.

Construction is expected to begin later this year, with operations starting in Q3, 2027.