American investments in the infrastructure of Rygge Air Station are important to Norway's defense capabilities.
Work on American infrastructure investments in Rygge will begin soon. The projects are related to the receipt of American combat aircraft and will also be important for NATO.
“U.S. investments in Rygge infrastructure will have a positive impact on the security of Norway, Scandinavia and allies,” said Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
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In June 2022, the Storting agreed to an additional defense cooperation agreement between Norway and the US. The agreement facilitates, among other things, American investments in infrastructure in the united areas. Rygge Air Station is one of the four unified areas that were created when the agreement came into force.
– Further development of defense cooperation with our closest ally is primarily about protection Norwegian interests and security of Norway, and cooperation with the USA contributes to strengthening NATO's capabilities to defend Norway and Europe, says the Minister of Defense.
The government has approved American investment in infrastructure in Rygge
Following an inquiry from the United States, the government approved American investment in infrastructure in Rygge. The United States has estimated the total investment costs at approximately NOK 2 billion, and the United States will cover 100 percent. construction costs. After construction infrastructure will become the property of Norway with the right of use for American forces.
Four hangars of fighter planes with accompanying facilities, foundations for relocations and other buildings will be built. As well as the capacity of magazines and ammunition depots will be increased. Safety will be improved by erecting a fence with a patrol road around part of the air station. With the exception of the warehouses, which will be for US use only, the new infrastructure can also be used by Norwegian troops and other allied forces.
Completion of projects by the end of 2027
Minor adjustments are still pending before the projects are ready for implementation, and construction will also depend on the allocation of funds over a five-year period from the US defense budget. However, the plan assumes that the projects will be completed by the end of 2027.
– Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine is a threat to the security of Norway and Europe. Russia's behavior has once again made acts of war and the brutal use of military force in Europe a reality. We have to adapt to the fact that we are dealing with a more dangerous and unpredictable Russia. To meet the need for credible deterrence, preparations must already be made in peacetime. American investments in infrastructure in Rygge will have a positive impact on the security of Norway, Scandinavia and allies. The presence of allies and Norway's ability to interact and host allied reinforcement forces are becoming increasingly important to our deterrence and defense capabilities, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
As the US projects develop, it may become important to increase Rygge's training and practice, even before the projects end. So far, no fixed apprenticeship cycle has been established for this type of activity. Future US military action will only in exceptional cases have consequences for future civilian air traffic at Rygge.
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Photo: regjeringen
