Exports of defence-related products and services from Norway in 2013

In 2013, Norway exported defence-related products and services to a total value of NOK 4.3 billion. Exports of defence-related products accounted for NOK 3.3 billion of this, and related services, production rights and dual-use goods for military purposes accounted for NOK 1 billion.  

These figures are from the annual white paper on Norwegian exports of defence-related products, export control and international non-proliferation efforts, which was presented to the Storting today. 

The total value of exports of defence-related products and services was 6 % lower in 2013 than in 2012. The main recipients are Norway’s allies and other European countries. Altogether, 19 applications for export licences for defence-related products were refused in 2013. 

‘Norwegian defence industry companies play an important role in value creation and technology development, which is also of importance for technological advances in the civilian sector. The Government considers it important to ensure predictable conditions for these companies. We will therefore continue to make it possible for companies to export goods and services within the framework of strict and clear legislation,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende. 

As explained in the white paper, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reviewed and updated the guidelines for dealing with applications concerning the export of defence-related products and services. General principles and evaluation criteria have been consolidated and clearly explained. The white paper also describes how the export control regulations have been strengthened, for example by the introduction of the ‘once military, always military’ principle in September 2014. 

‘The Government’s goal is to ensure a clear framework for the defence industry, based on continued strict controls on exports of defence-related products and services,’ said Mr Brende. 

In recent years, there has been increasing transparency as regards exports of defence-related products. The Government will continue this practice. This year’s white paper provides information on which products and services have been exported, the countries they have been exported to, and the value of the exports. It also contains information on the export licence applications that have been refused. The white paper also discusses Norwegian legislation guidelines, and the extensive multilateral cooperation on export control and non-proliferation. 

The white paper (in Norwegian only) is available here.