The transport helicopters will be under the direct control of Commander KFOR (Kosovo Force) and will be available for missions anywhere in Kosovo. To ensure the most effective use of the helicopters, both operationally and in cost terms, they will be stationed at Camp Bondsteel, headquarters of the US forces in Kosovo.

“It is essential for KFOR to have the transport capacity to make the force mobile. The Norwegian helicopters will help to ensure that it is possible for personnel and equipment to be deployed to any location in Kosovo. In this way we shall be replacing one valuable contribution to KFOR with another capability that is in much demand,” says Defence Minister Kristin Krohn Devold.

It was announced in the Storting in December by Defence Minister Krohn Devold that the currently deployed contingent of mechanised infantry would remain in place until summer 2004 and that the Government would then offer to deploy a small number of helicopters in its place. The Armed Forces have already had helicopters serving in the Balkans (March-October 2001).

Following the disturbances in March, NATO has wished to place greater emphasis on the training of the various KFOR units employed in riot control. During these disturbances, the Norwegian KFOR contingent was especially noted for its professional competence and experience, factors which enabled the unit to manage the situation in an effective way. NATO has therefore requested Norway to assist with the training of other nations’ KFOR personnel in riot control. The Government will provide this assistance prior to the departure of the Norwegian contingent from Kosovo in the summer.

The cost of these activities in Kosovo will be met from within the existing defence budget.