In total, the government will spend NOK 1624 billion on Norway's defense over the next twelve years, until 2036. By then, the defense budget will be almost twice as large as it is now, calculated in the real value of the crown.

– The government is in favor of significantly strengthening the Navy with new frigates, submarines and other vessels. The plan also includes a historic investment in our defense against air threats, with the government purchasing the first in Norway air defense system long range. We will also strengthen the land forces by expanding the army from one to three brigades and increasing the size of the Home Guard to a total of 45 soldiers, says Støre.

Norway increases defense spending

– When the world is in turmoil, we must use more of society's resources on defense and national preparedness. In Norway we are in a special situation. Our model of securing community incomes from our natural resources makes us well placed to pay more for national security, without impacting social services for citizens, says Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum.

The government will prioritize the following main areas:

  • Current Defense Improvement: Fixing critical deficiencies in current defenses by increasing stockpiles of munitions and materials, maintaining buildings and important infrastructure, increasing the ability to welcome allies, and hiring more people.
  • Investing in people in the armed forces : By 2036, the government plans to employ approximately 4600 additional conscripts, 13 additional reservists and 700 additional staff, as well as significant skill increases.
  • Significant maritime investments: The Navy will receive at least five new anti-submarine helicopter frigates, at least five submarines, and a unified class of up to ten large and eighteen smaller vessels. This strengthening of the Norwegian Navy is the largest investment in this long-term plan.
  • Strong strengthening of the Army and Home Guard with greater combat power: Expansion of the Army from one to three brigades, one in Finnmark, one in Troms and a new Southern Brigade. It is also reinforced with long-range precision fire, more tanks, air defense and helicopters for the army and special forces. The Home Guard is increased to 45 soldiers.
  • Historic investment in air defense: The government will purchase long-range air defense that will protect against short-range ballistic missiles. In addition, existing NASAMS air defenses will be doubled and upgraded to better protect against drones and missiles. Both the Air Force and Army are receiving additional systems, and current air defense systems are expected to be modernized.
  • Better situational awareness : increasing the ability to create situational awareness through better monitoring, presence and control in our immediate areas, with the help of new ships and the development of satellite and drone capabilities.

It also means Norwegian jobs and investments

– Norway does not pose a threat to anyone, and NATO does not pose a threat to anyone either. However, we must have the ability to defend ourselves in the event of crisis and war. Strengthened defense here at home will be a deterrent to those who might want to threaten our sovereignty, says Støre.

– We must have a defense that prevents conflicts on a daily basis and is prepared for the possibility of further conflict. More activity requires more people. The defense will be strengthened by a total of more than 20 conscripts, workers and reservists, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.

– We will invest in strong defense throughout the country. When we spend so much money on defense, it must be done in a way that creates Norwegian jobs and investment, Vedum says.

Lacks in today's defense

The government will make a historic investment in the Armed Forces. For this to be successful, several actions must be carried out simultaneously. The condition for further growth is to eliminate critical deficiencies in modern defense.

– We must ensure sufficient construction resources, not only for the defense needs of today, but also for the defense needs that will develop significantly. It is important to increase educational capacity to meet the demand for more people. We also need to allocate enough funds to replenish emergency supplies. This is a prerequisite so that we do not have an unbalanced defense in places where ships dock and planes are parked, says Gram.

The long-term plan will require large resources, more staff and significant investment. The government therefore presents a plan for the next twelve years.

– The plan will commit this government, future governments and the Storting in the future. It provides predictability and a long-term perspective for people and investments in the Armed Forces, and sends an important signal to our allies and others, says Støre.

Also read: Job Fair: Discover employment and development opportunities in Norway

Nordic countries in NATO

Norway depends on NATO and our close allies. Strengthening the capacity to receive allied reinforcements throughout the Nordic area. The ability to act together with allied forces, including Sweden and Finland, is also important and is very important for Norway's security. Through investments in the long-term plan, the government aims to meet key NATO requirements.

– 75 years in the world's strongest military and political alliance ensured peace and guaranteed Norway's security. The membership of Finland and Sweden in NATO strengthens security in our region, but also sets new tasks for Norway. We are moving from the role of a host country to the role of a country that will also provide transit and contribute military capabilities to defend our region together with our neighbors, says Gram.

“It is extremely important that we take care of Norway's security together.”

The government has maintained close contact with parliamentary leaders and the Storting's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee during several meetings in recent months.

– The Government thanks you for the constructive dialogue with all parties and invites the Storting to a broad agreement on this defense commitment. “It is extremely important that we work together to keep Norway safe,” says Støre.

Like us on Facebook and share our post with others

Source: regjeringen, Photo: Norwegian Armed Forces/Norwegian F-35 refueling
in the air from an American "flying tanker" KC-135 Stratotanker during
Nordic Response 2024.

Also read: Job Fair: Discover employment and development opportunities in Norway