The Defense Research Institute (FFI) in Norway found itself at the center of controversy after its research leader, Øyvind Voie, recommended that the government support the procurement of masks from the company Watchbird without disclosing his professional ties to the organization. This recommendation led to the Norwegian government reversing its decision and halting a significant procurement agreement valued at 100 million NOK. The situation raises ethical concerns regarding transparency in public procurement processes, especially when public officials have undisclosed connections to the companies involved.

Documents obtained by VG reveal that Øyvind Voie had a prominent role in the partnerships between Watchbird and FFI, as evidenced by the collaborative agreements which timestamp his designation as FFI's representative. The first partnership agreement, established in 2022, explicitly listed Voie in a key position, which extended to an updated pact in December 2025. While simultaneously functioning in these significant roles, Voie issued a professional recommendation to the Ministry of Defence in July 2025, advocating for the financial backing of Watchbird through the Nansen Program just six weeks before the procurement deal was overturned.

FFI's director, Jan Erik Torp, maintained that the institute stands by the technical assessments that were made regarding the support for Watchbird. However, given the context of Voie's undisclosed involvement, the institute's credibility comes into question. This incident not only reflects challenges in ensuring accountability within defense procurement but also emphasizes the importance of transparency to maintain public trust in government operations and research institutions.