Military transport corridor to be established in the north

Norwegian Prime Minister Støre, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Finnish President Alexander Stubb agreed to strengthen civil and military and civil cooperation in the north of the three countries at a high-level meeting held in Bødo on 19–20 June.   

‘Now that we are all members of NATO we can work together to defend in entirely new ways. Maintaining a credible defence in the north is crucial to our security. That means we must lay the foundation for moving reinforcements in the north quickly if the situation requires. This will require close civilian and military cooperation,’ said Mr Støre.  

The defence ministers of the three countries will be leading the practical efforts in cooperation with civilian actors. Together they will identify potential bottlenecks, update the necessary regulatory and legislative framework as necessary and invest in essential infrastructure to ensure rapid and efficient military mobility.

With Finland and Sweden in NATO, Norway’s ability to receive Allied reinforcements has become even more vital. Norway has a key role to play in the defence of Sweden and Finland, and the three countries will play an even more important part of the defence of the Baltic Sea and the Baltic countries.

‘Previously, we have thought in terms of north-south when planning the transport of military personnel and equipment. Now we will also be thinking west-east to a greater extent. National infrastructure must satisfy NATO’s need to be able to move forces across the national borders,’ said Mr Støre.

Norway, Sweden and Finland will be working together even more closely to facilitate Allied deterrence and defence operations in the northern regions of the three countries.

‘Regional defence plans for this area are now being drawn up. We are implementing the measures needed for these plans to work in practice,’ said Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram.