Norway increases defence spending to strengthen its capability and readiness

- A challenging strategic environment constantly reminds us that cannot take our freedom and security for granted. The Government will continue to invest substantially in defence and security, to ensure that Norway remains a reliable, responsible and capable partner on the Northern flank of the Alliance, says Norwegian Minister of Defence, Mr Frank Bakke-Jensen.

The Government presented a new Long Term plan for Defence to Parliament in April 2020. The deliberations were concluded and debated in early summer in Parliament and the majority in the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence asked the Government to come back to Parliament with a revised plan.

The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence asked for elaboration and detailing on eight specific topics. The revised plan will respond to the requests of the committee, and is based on the ambition of the plan that was presented in April 2020.

The plan details a budget increase in the coming eight years. In 2024 the defence-expenditure will increase to a level of 8,3 billion NOK above the 2020 budget. I In the2021 defence-budget, the Government proposed a spending increase of more than 3 billion NOK.

- We will also continue the work of identifying cost-effective solutions wherever possible, both when conducting daily operations and when acquiring new equipment, says Mr Bakke-Jensen.

Personnel and new technology

-The highly skilled and dedicated military and civilian personnel of the defence-sector are the backbone of the Norwegian Armed forces. The number of personnel will gradually increase in order to strengthen the readiness and availability of the Armed Forces, and gradually generate enhanced combat power, says the Minister of Defence.

The current focus of personnel reforms is on diversifying the personnel structure in order to strengthen the capability and the readiness of the Norwegian Armed Forces, and on the further restructuring of the training and educational system.

Norway will also strengthen the system for innovation in the defence-sector and adapt a comprehensive approach to technology exploitation.

- The development of the Armed Forces is an ongoing and long-term undertaking. In 2016, the Government set out the course towards a more capable and sustainable defence-force, better able to face the changing security environment. This new Long Term Plan further builds on that foundation. The Norwegian government continues to strengthen the capability and readiness of the defence of Norway, says Mr Frank Bakke-Jensen, Norwegian Minister of Defence.

Strengthened allied dimension

The defence of Norway starts outside territorial borders and Norwegian participation in NATO operations and readiness forces is an integral part of the overall defence-effort.

Norway plays an important role in NATO by operating in and monitoring the Arctic region, by providing situational awareness to the transatlantic security community. The strengthening of NATO’s maritime posture is an integral element of the ongoing adaptation of the Alliance and crucial to Norwegian and allied security.

Allied presence, training and exercise in and close to Norway are of fundamental importance. The Norwegian Armed Forces will continue to train and operate with key allies such as the USA, the UK, the Netherlands and Germany, and other units. The government will also continue the development of Norwegian host nation facilities.

Army

Norway will continue to develop the army. Brigade North will be developed with four manoeuvre battalions and with tactical and logistical support. The manoeuvre battalions will be equipped with new main battle tanks, mobile air defence systems and long-range precision fire. Increased firepower, higher readiness and increased sustainability will ensure that the Norwegian Armed Forces remain relevant in the new security environment.

In addition, the modernisation of the Home Guard will continue, including an increased capacity to forward stage weapons, ammunition and other supplies.

Navy

Norway will strengthen the Navy with increased personnel volume. The frigates and submarines will undergo necessary upgrades. In addition, three new Coast Guard vessels will be introduced.  In order to preserve the maritime operational capability after 2030 the government has started the planning to replace surface vessels. The Government will inform Parliament about the recommended future development of the surface structure in 2022.

- It is our ambition to acquire and implement future Navy capabilities in collaboration with close allies, says the Norwegian Minister of Defence.

Air Force

The introduction of new aircraft systems will have priority for the Air Force in the years leading up to 2025. The implementation of the F-35 Lightning II continues. P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft will replace the fleet of P-3 Orion.

To improve air defence capability, the NASAMS II air defence system will be upgraded with modern sensors, as well as the introduction of a complementary capacity with shorter range.

- This will contribute to countering threats against bases, and protect allied reception areas, says Mr Bakke-Jensen.

In the long term, it will be assessed how long-range air defence systems can be introduced.

Home Guard

The modernisation of the Home Guard will continue, including an increased capacity to forward stage weapons, ammunition and other supplies.

Special Forces

The ability of the Special Forces to contribute to both national and international operations will improve with increased personnel volume and one additional maritime special operations task group. The Bell 412 transport helicopters will be replaced by a new capacity that is better suited for the Special Forces.