Revised National Budget:
The Norwegian Defence Boost Begins Now
News story | Date: 14/05/2024 | Ministry of Defence
The government's most fundamental task is to ensure the security of people living in Norway. Therefore, we prioritise defence, security, and preparedness, especially in a more serious security situation. In the revised national budget, the government proposes allocating 13 billion NOK to the Defence. Six billion are proposed for military support to Ukraine and seven billion to increase operational capability in the Norwegian Armed Forces.
"This is a significant increase, and it means that we will reach NATO's two percent goal already this year. It also means that we can start several initiatives we have planned in the long-term plan on defence earlier, which involves strengthening the foundation of the Armed Forces. Both support for Ukraine and investment in our own Armed Forces are crucial in the current security situation. Ukraine's defence battle is also ours, and the long-term plan is designed to provide us with the defence we need to secure Norway," says Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp).
The long-term plan for the defence sector is currently being reviewed in the Parliament (Storting). However, with funds from the revised national budget, it is possible to start certain projects now.
"Necessary projects that take a long time to plan and implement can start earlier. This means, for example, that properties, buildings, and facilities can be completed ahead of schedule to help retain and recruit personnel for the Armed Forces. We will also accelerate the purchase of air defence systems. In total, five billion will go towards advancing investments and measures. The remaining two billion will be used so that the Armed Forces can train, exercise, and operate more," says the defence minister.
With the proposed increase in the revised national budget, the defence budget will rise from 91 billion NOK to 104 billion NOK this year. Over the next 12 years, the government will strengthen Norway's defence with 600 billion NOK. This means that by 2036, the defence budget will be 166 billion NOK.
Distribution of the 13 Billion NOK
- The military support to Ukraine will be increased by six billion NOK with this budget proposal. This particularly involves the purchase of ammunition and air defence systems, which are critical resources in Ukraine's fight for freedom.
- Five billion NOK is an advancement of the long-term plan and goes towards ammunition, equipment, housing, barracks, and other infrastructure. This improves the living conditions for personnel in the Armed Forces, begins the establishment of emergency storage, and paves the way for further growth in the long-term plan.
- Two billion NOK will be used to strengthen operational capability and the operational budget of the defence sector in 2024.
- The government proposes strengthening the operational budget of the Armed Forces in the revised national budget by 992 million NOK to maintain the operational ambition for 2024 and facilitate increased activity in the Armed Forces this year.
- The government proposes strengthening the Home Guard with 180 million NOK. 150 million NOK of this goes to increased activity in 2024. Additionally, 30 million NOK is proposed for increased purchase of personal clothing and equipment for the Home Guard personnel. This measure continues the government's commitment to a stronger and more robust Home Guard and accelerates allocations for uniforms and equipment, skill development, and further exercises and training in 2024.
- The government also proposes 200 million NOK for necessary maintenance of the logistics vessel KNM Maud, to maintain necessary operational capacity and activity level, and funds for the maintenance of P-8 maritime patrol aircraft.
- Furthermore, the government will increase the allocation by 37.5 million NOK for manned security at Andøya, in line with the government's ambitions for further development of Andøya related to drones, space activities, and allied reception.
