Norway strengthens defence in North
The High North is the most important priority area of the Norwegian Defence, Norwegian Minister of Defence Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen, highlighted in a speech last week. Norway is now prepared to increase defence spending in the region.
In its draft long-term development report, presented by the minister last Friday, the protection of interests in the “near abroad” was on top of the agenda.
–The High North is the top priority area of the Norwegian government. That also concerns the defence policy, Ms. Strøm-Erichsen said in the speech published at mil.no.
The Army will be strengthened in the region together with the Air Force and the Navy.
The Defence Ministry has decided to keep its fleet of missile torpedo boats (MTBs), despite the major costs linked with the vessels. In addition comes the fleet of five new frigates, thus making the Norwegian Navy one of the best equipped in Europe.
The Air Force helicopter fleet will be concentrated in the northern base of Bardufoss.
Also training with foreign partners will be stepped up in the region, Minister Strøm-Erichsen confirmed.
The increased activity level will be followed up with increased defence spending. The country’s defence spending will be increased with 2,5 percent, or 800 million NOK (100 million EUR), per year.
