Norsk versjon.

In February, Andøya Air Station was launched as one of several new Norwegian-American military bases in Northern Norway. This as part of an renegotiated supplementary defense cooperation agreement (SDCA) between Norway and the US, which is now under consideration in the Norwegian parliament.

Last week, the government announced plans developing Andøya into a base for long-range drones, as well as being central in developing the Armed Forces' space operations and ability for allied reception.

Now, Norway and the US report that they want to cooperate on building a temporary satellite station at the existing Andøya Air Station.

According to the Norwegian MoD, this new establishment will support space infrastructure for situational awareness and communications on command, control, and warnings.

A central aspect is early warning for Norway and NATO regarding possible incoming cruise missiles in the High North.

Expanded cooperation

"I am very pleased with the US choosing Norway as its cooperation partner for this exciting project. In the current security policy situation, we must stand together to defend all of NATO's territory," says Norwegian MoD Bjørn Arild Gram (Center).

The location of Northern Norway and Andøya is particularly suited for communication with satellites in polar orbits.

The island in Nordland county houses the well-established Andøya Space Center, with its associated rocket range and new spaceport for satellite launches.

The planned new satellite station will be the first of its kind outside the US – and it involves a significant further development of the Norwegian-American space cooperation.

An example of existing cooperation is that the Norwegian state-owned company Space Norway will launch Arctic broadband satellites into space with payloads for the US and Norway's Armed Forces. According to the adjusted schedule, the launch will take place this summer.

"The establishment of the satellite station at Andøya Air Station significantly contributes to strengthening Norway's and NATO's defense ability. The cooperation is also a very good example of how bilateral cooperation between two NATO countries benefits the whole of the alliance," maintains Gram.

See a more detailed description of the American space infrastructure below.

High up on the agenda

"The government has a clear ambition for Norway to be at the forefront of allies regarding situational awareness in the North. Satellites help provide an overview of what is happening in our immediate areas, and Andøya is uniquely placed for access to outer space," MoD Gram points out.

Enhanced ability for situational awareness, particularly in northern areas, is among the highest priorities in the Norwegian government's recent proposal for a new long-term defense plan.

"The strengthening of the Norwegian Armed Forces will prioritize national capacity and ability for surveillance and situational awareness to follow and understand the development in our immediate areas – particularly in the High North," states the government and continues:

"The ability to uncover, warn against, and understand an opponent's intentions and capacity to threaten, undermine, exploit, or attack Norway is a priority."

Utilizing the potential of outer space with Andøya as the desired springboard is highlighted as central in this context. An investment in the development and acquisition of new satellites for monitoring and communication has also been announced.

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