The Norwegian Defence Pledge
The government proposes a comprehensive defence commitment. The government proposes an increase of 600 billion NOK in defence spending between 2025 and 2036, to a total of 1624 billion NOK in defence spending over twelve years. It proposes to address weaknesses in the current structure, while at the same time significantly increasing our defence effort. Four major efforts are prioritised; increased capabilities for situational awareness, a new maritime surface fleet, strengthening air defence capabilities, and increased capacity and volume in the Army and Home Guard.
Addressing weaknesses through increased stocks of munitions, spare parts and more personnel
The Armed Forces must be able to integrate with allied efforts and contribute to defending Norway or allies. This includes the ability to operate in high intensity conflicts:
- Stocks of munitions, spare parts, fuel and equipment will be rapidly increased. Operational frameworks are strengthened, and more personnel will be recruited.
- The Armed Forces’ ICT infrastructure and digital foundations are modernised and streamlined.
- The capacity for receiving allied forces is strengthened to better enable Norway to receive allied reinforcements throughout the Nordic region.
Enhancing situational awareness in the High North
The ability to detect, and understand the intentions of a potential adversary is paramount. Norway’s strengthening of the Armed Forces will prioritise national capacity for surveillance and situational awareness, monitoring and understanding the developments in our surroundings - especially in the High North.
- The Armed Forces will aquire satellites for monitoring and communication for increased operational capability.
- To enhance the effectiveness of maritime patrol aircrafts, a P-8 simulator will be procured for the maritime patrol aircrafts at Evenes.
- To strengthen situational awareness, the Armed Forces will procure, as part of international cooperation with allies, long-range drones with sensors and systems for monitoring maritime areas of interest in the north.
- The Armed Forces’ operational headquarters and tactical headquarters will be further strengthened, as well as the Armed Forces’ information infrastructure.
Fleet plan 2024: Strengthening the Navy
Norway has considerable maritime interests across vast ocean areas, with significant value creation in the maritime sector. In order to promote Norwegian security interests, the maritime domain is prioritised through major investments in new and increased capabilities.
- To maintain continuous situational awareness and posture in Norwegian areas of interest, a minimum of five blue water frigates capable of contributing in the full spectrum of maritime operations will be procured. The frigates will be acquired, operated, and maintained in partnership with a close ally.
- Maritime helicopters with anti-submarine warfare capability will be procured to operate as part of the frigate system.
- A standardised class of vessels in two sizes will be developed and procured to fulfill the missions of the Navy and the Coast Guard.
- Four new submarines have already been approved for procurement in cooperation with Germany. The government recommends acquiring at least one additional submarine.
Strengthening Norway’s Air Defence
A major priority is to strengthen the Armed Forces’ ability to protect vital infra structure against attacks from cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, and unmanned aerial systems.
- Four new NASAMS medium range air defence systems will be procured for the Air Force and the Army. New radars will be acquired.
- The government reccommends procuring a long-range air defence system in order to protect one geographical area against tactical ballistic missiles.
Enhancing the capacity of the Army and the Home Guard
The Army will consist of three land combat brigades. The Home Guard will increase in size and receive equipment appropriate for an expanded national responsibility.
- The development of Brigade North as a heavy infantry brigade with four mechanised manoeuvre battalions and associated support units will be completed.
- Finnmark land defence will be strengthened with combat air defence, an artillery battalion, one light infantry battalion, engineer company, ISTAR squadron, strengthened leadership, and developed into the Finnmark Brigade
- Brigade South will be established as a reservist-based light infantry brigade to secure allied reception areas and act as a mobile reaction force.
- Long-range precision fires will be added to the land force.
- The Home Guard will be strengthened with more equipment, training, and more personnel. Combined, the regular Home Guard forces and the response forces will amount to 45,000 by 2036.
- The Armed Forces will be supplied with new helicopters to support the Army and special forces.
The Royal Norwegian Navy will be strengthened with a comprehensive new fleet plan that will renew and enhance Norway’s maritime capacity. Norway’s future navy will be developed along three lines; new frigates, new standardised vessels and new submarines.
