In a significant move aimed at bolstering its defence capabilities, the Norwegian centre-left government has unveiled plans for what it terms as “a historic increase” in military spending.
The announcement, made on Friday, outlines a staggering investment of £45bn (52 billion euros) over the span of the next 12 years.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasised the need to adapt Norway’s defence apparatus to the evolving security landscape.
He said: “We need a defence that is fit for purpose in the emerging security environment.
“As our security environment is deteriorating, we need to spend more on and pay more attention to defence and preparedness.”
The Prime Minister revealed that the government, comprised of his social democratic Labour party and the left-leaning Centre Party, aims to allocate a total of £120bn (140 billion euros) toward defence spending by the year 2036.
This substantial budget increase is intended to fortify Norway’s defence infrastructure comprehensively.
Elaborating on the specifics, Støre outlined plans to procure vital military assets, including at least five new frigates and submarines, along with the nation’s inaugural long-range air defence system. Additionally, there are proposals to expand the army from one to three brigades, indicating a comprehensive restructuring of Norway’s military architecture.
Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum assured that this surge in military spending would not come at the expense of essential public services. He highlighted the potential for job creation and increased investments within Norway as a result of this strategic allocation of resources.
Støre stressed that Norway and its NATO allies harbour no aggressive intentions.
“Norway is no threat to anyone, nor is NATO. But we must have the capability to defend ourselves if crisis and war occur,” he claimed, emphasising the defensive nature of the measures being undertaken.
The coalition government is poised to secure approval for the proposed increase in military spending within the 169-seat Storting assembly, although no definitive date for a vote has been announced.
This announcement comes on the heels of Norway’s recent declaration to augment its conscription program, aiming to increase the number of conscripted soldiers from 9,000 to 13,500 by the year 2036.
