What does Norway get for NOK 192 billion?

Norway’s security situation has become more serious and more unpredictable. The war in Ukraine is entering its fifth winter, and conflicts around the world are also affecting our security. We must therefore prioritise our security in the years ahead.

One of Norway’s most important responses is the long-term plan for the defence sector – the Norwegian Defence Pledge – which has the unanimous backing of the Storting. After decades of scaling back our Armed Forces, we are now undertaking a historic rebuilding. The Government is proposing a defence budget of NOK 192 billion (about €18.35 billion) for next year. This includes NOK 70 billion in military support to Ukraine, which is also an investment in our own security. We are proposing an additional NOK 6.5 billion to implement the long-term plan, on top of adjustments for wage and price growth.

A defence budget people will notice 

What do we get? First and foremost, a stronger defence which, together with our Allies, will defend every single square metre of Norway’s border should it become necessary. That means more soldiers, new weapons and vessels, and more ammunition and equipment. More personnel and better preparedness increase our ability to protect the country. But the build-up will also be felt in the daily lives of many Norwegians.

• The Government is proposing to increase the Armed Forces’ operating budget by NOK 2.7 billion. This means continued high levels of activity: sailing, flying, patrolling, training, exercises and a round-the-clock presence. At the same time, it will enable the Armed Forces to grow by 750 permanent employees, 450 conscripts and 900 reservists. More people will do their national service and serve with the Norwegian flag on their shoulder.

• More personnel and new materiel also require buildings. Soldiers need barracks and housing. Equipment needs storage facilities, garages, quays and workshops. We must both build new facilities and maintain what we already have. That is why we in the Government are proposing to spend an additional NOK 1.6 billion on military estate, buildings and infrastructure next year. This is good for the Armed Forces, but it also means work for contractors, plumbers, carpenters, electricians and others across the country.

• We are also proposing to increase production capacity in the Norwegian defence industry through a strategic investment of NOK 516 million. This is good for preparedness. But it can also create jobs and opportunities for large, small and medium-sized companies that can contribute to Norwegian and European defence capabilities.

Potential threats to our country will not wait for the long-term plan to be completed. The Armed Forces must therefore be ready to carry out their tasks today, while we build for the future.

What do we want to achieve?

When we spend more public funds on the Armed Forces, it will be felt in everyday life. The Armed Forces will become more visible. More people will serve, and there will be construction and investment throughout the country. But the most important result is the one we do not notice: everyday life without war. That we avoid war and conflict. A stronger defence, together with our Allies, also makes an attack on us less likely. That is why we are building up our defence. It costs a great deal of money, but the alternative is far more expensive – as we all can see from the war in Ukraine.

What do we want to happen? As the Norwegian Armed Forces put it in their 2018 campaign film: Nothing. Incredible nothing.