- Norway is the eyes and ear of NATO in the north. New patrol planes are very important to our readiness. They will collect information about military activities in our immediate areas. It is absolutely crucial both for our security and for the security of our NATO allies, says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

New security policy environments and new generations of submarines in our immediate areas mean that modern monitoring systems are crucial.

Sea area monitoring

The P-8 is a powerful platform for monitoring our sea areas.

- Airplanes will give the Norwegian and allied civil and military authorities a better basis for making decisions. Every day we contribute to situational awareness, readiness and presence in our immediate areas. I think that in the current security policy situation, we can all see how important it is for us to stand on the side of our allies, says Støre.

Stability in the North

Since the 60s, Norwegian Naval Patrol Aircraft have been responsible for visible and regular military activities in the northern sea areas.

- Patrol planes are now part of a known and established pattern of operations. Continuing this activity with Norwegian aircraft helps to ensure constant stability and predictability in the north, says Defense Minister Odd Roger Enoksen.

Evenes airport was commissioned on January 6, 2022 as a base for the NATO F-35 contingent.

- Preparation Norway and NATO in the north is good – sums up Enoksen.

Pictured: Premier Jonas Gahr Støre in the P-8 cockpit.

Photo: Tiril Haslestad / Siły Zbrojne

Source: regjeringen

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