The Norwegian Government Proposes Defense Budget Increase of NOK 4,2 Billion in 2026 With the proposed increase, Norway will spend NOK 112 billion on national defense in 2026. In Northern Norway, there are i.a. plans for investments in property, buildings, and facilities of about NOK 3,2 billion.
Norway Arms Itself... But Who Will Pay The Bill? Rising defense spending puts pressure on the welfare state and on taxpayers, says Ioanna Liouta, political and economic analyst.
Come Inside a Home Guard Defense Exercise in the Norwegian Arctic Porsanger (High North News): Join Norway's northernmost home guard district - HV17 - on an exercise at Garrison Porsangmoen, in the Norwegian Arctic.
Norwegian Armed Forces and the Russian FSB Met for Border Cooperation Talks On Tuesday, the chiefs of the Norwegian Joint Headquarters and the Russian FSB’s Border Directorate for the Western Arctic Region met in Kirkenes. "This meeting activity is important as one of the very few remaining communication channels between Norway and Russia," says the NJHQ Chief.
Norway Establishes New Brigade in the North The Finnmark Land Defense on NATO’s northern flank has now been developed into the Finnmark Brigade, Norway’s first new brigade since the Cold War. "The aim is to deter those who do not wish us well," says the Norwegian Minister of Defense.
Norway's Minister of Defense: The Establishment of the NATO Air Operations Centre Is on Track Bodø, Northern Norway (High North News): The temporary premises of NATO's third Combined Air Operations Center will be ready at the Armed Forces' base in Bodø already in October. Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik commends the progress.
Brigadier John Olav Fuglem Becomes the First Commander of the Finnmark Brigade On Tuesday, John Olav Fuglem was appointed Brigadier and Commander of the new Finnmark Brigade on NATO’s northern flank. "We will have a very capable and experienced commander in Fuglem," says the Chief of the Norwegian Army.
“Norway Must Be the One to Have Control in the Areas Closest to Russia” Kirkenes (High North News): Russia is rattling its sabers along NATO's borders in the North, and the Norwegian prime minister warns against war and opens up for increased allied exercises in the High North. But both Norway's PM and Chief of Defense Eirik Kristoffersen trust Trump to respect Norwegian game rules.
NATO Secretary General’s Visit to Norway: Increased Focus on the High North Within the Alliance Ramsund and Evenes (High North News): NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte gained in-depth insight into the security situation in the High North when he visited Northern Norway last week. He also got to see how Norwegian and allied forces work together. A very important visit, says Rutte.
NATO Secretary General’s Visit to Norway: Increased Focus on the High North Within the Alliance Ramsund and Evenes (High North News): NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte gained in-depth insight into the security situation in the High North when he visited Northern Norway last week. He also got to see how Norwegian and allied forces work together. A very important visit, says Rutte.
Norwegian CHOD: New NATO Air Operations Centre Should be Located in Northern Norway Reitan outside Bodø, Northern Norway, is the best suited location for NATO's third Combined Air Operations Centre, believes the Norwegian Chief of Defense Eirik Kristoffersen. He emphasizes i.a. the ability to lead operations from the north. This is revealed in a document that NRK claims to have been given insight into.
Norwegian CHOD: New NATO Air Operations Centre Should be Located in Northern Norway Reitan outside Bodø, Northern Norway, is the best suited location for NATO's third Combined Air Operations Centre, believes the Norwegian Chief of Defense Eirik Kristoffersen. He emphasizes i.a. the ability to lead operations from the north. This is revealed in a document that NRK claims to have been given insight into.
Arctic Military Leaders Met Near the Norway-Russia Border: Discussed Hybrid Threats Last week, the Arctic Security Forces Roundtable was held in Kirkenes, Northern Norway, focusing on grey zone threats. "It is important to create understanding among our close allies about how the security situation in the Arctic is perceived in a turbulent and uncertain time," says the Norwegian Armed Forces.
NATO Air Operations Centre to be Located in Norway: MoD Visits Northern Candidate Bodø (High North News): The Norwegian MoD, Tore O. Sandvik, says both Norwegian cities Bodø and Rygge have what it takes to make NATO's third Combined Air Operations Centre work. During a visit to the North, he specified that major investments would be made whether Bodø or Rygge received the allocation.
Joint Viking 2025: 10,000 Soldiers From 9 Nations Exercise Defending Northern Norway This year's largest military exercise in Norway kicked off on Monday. Norwegian forces are now practicing on countering military threats in the North – reinforced by allies from Western Europe and North America. "Even more important in light of today’s uncertain security situation," says Deputy Commander of Norway's Joint Headquarters.
Joint Viking 2025: 10,000 Soldiers From 9 Nations Exercise Defending Northern Norway This year's largest military exercise in Norway kicked off on Monday. Norwegian forces are now practicing on countering military threats in the North – reinforced by allies from Western Europe and North America. "Even more important in light of today’s uncertain security situation," says Deputy Commander of Norway's Joint Headquarters.
The Norwegian Armed Forces With Full Broadband Coverage in the Arctic Norway’s Arctic broadband satellites are now operational and put into use by the Norwegian Armed Forces. "This enables us to exercise effective command and control in all types of operations up to the North Pole," says the Chief of the Norwegian Cyber Defense.
Possible Future Military Role for Bodø's New Airport The Norwegian Ministry of Defense has decided to acquire options in Avinor's construction project so that the new airport in Bodø, Northern Norway, could potentially have a future military role.
New Training Center for the Norwegian Armed Forces and Allies in Northern Norway Sørreisa in Troms County in northern Norway will house an allied amphibious war center. This is a training facility where landing forces from the sea are practiced in close cooperation between land, sea, and air defense. Norwegian and allied forces will train together here in Arctic conditions.
Northern Norway Is Likely Facing a More Serious Hybrid Threat Situation, Says Professor Tromsø (High North News): "I believe that the situation in the North will gradually worsen before the hybrid threat level stabilizes," says Professor Tormod Heier at the Norwegian Defense University College. He calls for bolder moves to strengthen civil-military cooperation in the face of the hybrid threats.
Arctic Broadband Satellites Passed Tests in Space and Have Been Handed Over to Space Norway “Norway now controls a space capability of great significance for all types of operations in the Arctic, including for the Norwegian Armed Forces and NATO allies,” says the state-owned company Space Norway.
Arctic Broadband Satellites Passed Tests in Space and Have Been Handed Over to Space Norway “Norway now controls a space capability of great significance for all types of operations in the Arctic, including for the Norwegian Armed Forces and NATO allies,” says the state-owned company Space Norway.
The Norwegian Government Proposes a NOK 19 Billion Increase in Defense Spending With the proposed increase, the Norwegian defense budget for 2025 will total NOK 110 billion. A main priority is to make the current defense structure work with more ammunition, better preparedness, and more people. The proposed budget also includes increased investments in material, property and construction.
Collaborates With the Swedish and Norwegian Armed Forces on the Purchase of New Railcars Bane NOR has entered into an agreement with the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Swedish Armed Forces regarding the acquisition of new railcars. "The agreement involves a significant improvement in capacity for military transport on the railways in both Norway and Sweden," says CEO Thor Gjermund Eriksen.
Successfull Launch: The Arctic To Gain Full Broadband Coverage With Norwegian Satellites Space Norway’s two satellites for Arctic broadband have now been launched into space from the US West Coast. These will provide continuous connectivity across the circumpolar North for both civilian and military users, whether at sea, in the air, or on land. "A milestone for Norway," says the Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry.
Norway’s Parliament Unanimous on Major Defense Pledge: Seeks Lower Tension in the High North In a historically broad defense settlement, the Norwegian parliament is clearly looking northward. "We must increase our ability to shape the development in the High North," states a united Standing Committee on Defense, looking to reduce the risk of misunderstandings, conflict and great power rivalry.
Proposes a NOK 13 Billion Increase of the Defense Budget With the proposed increase of the revised Norwegian national budget, the defense budget will go from NOK 91 billion to NOK 104 billion a year. Several of the initiatives drafted in the long-term defense plan could now start earlier, says MoD Bjørn Arild Gram (Centre).
“Practicing Norway’s Role as a Transit Country Is an Historic Development” Narvik (High North News): The exercise Immediate Response has commenced. Tons of US military equipment arrived in Narvik, Northern Norway, last week and is to be transported into the Nordic region for further military training. Now, Norway's role as a transit country is being practiced in light of NATO's Nordic expansion, says Colonel May Brith Valen-Odlo.
The Arctic Arms Race Extends Beyond Military Power Commentary: The proposal of an extensive rearmament of the Navy in the North is not just about military capacity. It is just as much about the security policy approach to Russia and who will keep their hands on the wheel in the Arctic.
Russia's Activity in the North Has Changed: "Fewer Civilian Disturbances" The Russian activity pattern in the North has changed since February 24th, 2022, believes a Senior Research Fellow at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment.
USA and Norway: Will Build Satellite Station at Andøya For Early Missile Warning US-Norwegian defense cooperation is taking off, including into space. The countries want to collaborate on space-based missile defense in the Arctic – with a unique base in Andøya, Northern Norway. A key aspect is to develop capabilities for cruise missile early warning in the High North.
Norway's Response to the Gravity: Four Main Measures to Strengthen the Armed Forces The Norwegian government has proposed a new long-term plan on defense. At the top of the agenda is reinforcing the navy, land forces and air defense as well as situational awareness, particularly in the North. “A stronger national defense will contribute to deter those who might wish to threaten our sovereignty,’ says the PM.
Norway Reopens Andøya Air Station as Base for Long-Range Drones The Norwegian Government reverses its own decision and announces a new million-dollar investment in long-range drones for sea surveillance in the High North. Andøya becomes central in sea surveillance and developing the Armed Forces' space operations.
The Norwegian MoD Believes the Russian Nuclear Threat to Be Real The Norwegian Ministry of Defense believes Russia's plans for nuclear weapons in space to be a real threat. "We and our allies must be able to face this type of threat," writes the department's state secretary.
New Chief in the North: The Norwegian Joint Headquarters is Unique in European Context Bodø (High North News): Vice Admiral Rune Andersen recently took on the role of Chief of the Norwegian Joint Headquarters. As Norway is placed under NATO's command in Norfolk, USA, the headquarters can assume a larger and more important role in the alliance.
The Governor of Svalbard: "These Are Different Times" On Thursday and Friday, Lieutenant General Yngve Odlo, Commander of The Norwegian Joint Headquarters, visited the Governor of Svalbard, Lars Fause. "In an uncertain time in Europe, it is even more important that the State shows a clearer presence in Svalbard," says Fause.
Mayors in Northern Norway: Restore Officer Training in the North! The mayors of Northern Norway's largest cities advocate re-establishing officer training in the region. "For us, it is obvious that this will be a good measure," says Gunnar Wilhelmsen, Mayor of Tromsø.
The Arctic On the Agenda As Norwegian Defense Leaders Visit US Northern Command Increased cooperation, coordination of Arctic activities, and a shared understanding of the security policy situation were central topics for discussion as Norwegian and American defense leaders met at the US Northern Command headquarters in the US.
Norway's Chief of Defense Wants To Increase Firepower in the North The threat from the East is growing and Norway´s Chief of Defense Eirik Kristoffersen wants to strengthen the defense in the north and points to Svalbard as a particular strategic military area of interest to Russia. "The strengthening of the defense must happen quickly," says the Chief of Defense.
The Norwegian Defense Commission: The Defense Capability Must Be Significantly Strengthened. Now! A united Nordic region in NATO leads to the increased strategic significance of the Kola Peninsula, believes the Norwegian Defense Commission. For the next 20 years, Norway and its allies must take into account the increasing Russian ability and willingness to threaten or use force in the north.
Norwegian Defence Analysis of 2023: Norway’s Defense Is Not Good Enough "It seems to be more important to have a defense that is visible in peacetime, than one that functions in war," says Espen Skjelland, at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment. The defense analysis of 2023 shows that the Norwegian defense is to poorly equipped to face the new security situation in the north.
The Norwegian TV Screen Are Riddled With Uniforms, but the War Is Not the Subject in Question (Commentary) Our neighboring country Russia has gone to war against another neighbor and never before have the TV screens been more filled with military uniforms and distinctions. The war, however, is not the subject in question.
Norwegian Intelligence Service: The Past Year’s Development Has Increased Norway's Geopolitical Significance "The war in Ukraine has increased Russia's need to fortify its security interests in the Arctic. This is due to the recognition that the Arctic can hardly be kept out of the confrontation with the USA and NATO," says Deputy Head of the Norwegian Intelligence Service, Lars Nordrum.
“Ensures That Norway Has the Same Type of Tanks as Our Nordic Neighbors” Norway will buy 54 tanks of the Leopard 2 type from Germany, announced Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre at Rena military camp. "This capacity will be important when we in the future, together with Sweden and Finland, will look at how we are to defend our northern areas."
No Tank You: "It Will Weaken the Norwegian Defense's Reputation" A Finnish defense analyst calls the Norwegian Chief of Defense's proposal to stop the purchase of new tanks strange. "It is difficult to see that this will lead to anything else than Finnish and Swedish sons and daughters dying on the front line to protect the civilian population in Northern Norway."
The Norwegian Armed Forces Will Keep Shelters for Fighters in Northern Norway A lacking ability for allied reception is one key point in the latest Norwegian defense white paper. The former Bodø Air Base for fighters, which is to be converted to civilian use, will still have capacity for receiving and protecting military aircraft, says a spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces.
The Norwegian Government Strengthens Preparedness of the Armed Forces The Norwegian Armed Forces are raising its level of preparedness from today, Tuesday. The military activity will be adjusted according to the serious security situation Europe finds itself in.
Focus on High North Defense in Norway's National Budget of 2023 The Norwegian government wants to strengthen its Armed Forces with NOK 6,8 billion. Large parts of the military expenditure are allotted to Northern Norway and the government wants to prioritize an increase in personnel for the Finnmark Land Command and Brigade Nord.
Taking Network Coverage in the Arctic to New Heights With satellites in a highly elliptical orbit above the North Pole, Space Norway's program will provide broadband coverage throughout the Arctic from 2024. "This contributes to show that Norway is serious about its High North Policy," says the program director in the state-owned company.
Taking Network Coverage in the Arctic to New Heights With satellites in a highly elliptical orbit above the North Pole, Space Norway's program will provide broadband coverage throughout the Arctic from 2024. "This contributes to show that Norway is serious about its High North Policy," says the program director in the state-owned company.
