Oslo steps up defence plan, strengthens control in border region
A new Finnmark Brigade will be fully operational two years ahead of the previous schedule, and investments are being made in electronic warfare, short-range air defence and drone defence, according to an updated Norwegian defence plan.
Just two years after the Norwegian Parliament, the Storting, approved a historic 1,624 billion kroner (€146 billion) defence plan for the next 12 years, an updated version has now been presented.
"We are making the necessary adjustments to ensure the effective development of our defence capabilities in these more dangerous times," Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said while unveiling the document on March 27.
"Since we first presented the plan in 2024, the world has become more unpredictable, and the security situation has grown more serious," Støre explained.
The government now proposes an additional 115 billion kroner (€10.3 billion) in defence spending by 2036, bringing the total to 1,739 billion kroner (€155.4 billion). A significant portion of this funding will be allocated before 2030.
With the revised plan, Norway will spend 3.5% of its GDP on defence by 2035.
The Navy will receive the largest share of the investment. The updated plan accelerates the introduction of new submarines and the procurement of the first two frigates. The first of six new submarines is set to enter service in 2029, while the first two of six frigates are scheduled for delivery in 2030 and 2032.
Norway is increasingly concerned about the Arctic security situation and its border areas with Russia. The Støre government is expediting the establishment of the Finnmark Brigade, which will now be fully operational by 2033—two years earlier than originally planned.
The Defence Ministry warns that the security situation will deteriorate in the coming years.
"While the war in Ukraine remains the immediate focus, Russia is preparing for a potential future conflict with NATO. This includes a major military build-up along the entire NATO border, including a doubling of ground forces in the northwest," the updated defence document states.
New priorities include electronic warfare, short-range air defence, drone defence, and space-based communications. The plan outlines a phased introduction of a layered air defence system, beginning with anti-drone and short-range air defence capabilities.
"We are strengthening Norway’s defence capabilities, accelerating the largest investments in submarines and frigates, and speeding up the establishment of the Finnmark Brigade," Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik said.
"We are prioritising readiness and endurance in the Armed Forces by replenishing stocks while Russia remains at war in Ukraine. At the same time, we are maintaining high operational activity and ensuring control in Norway’s border areas," he added.
