Norway increases its military spending

The Norwegian government announced on March 27 a new effort in favor of its armed forces, which will benefit from an additional budget of over 10 billion euros by 2036.

In the context of an increased threat level and commitments made within NATO in 2025 to increase military spending of allied countries, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced on Thursday, March 27 a significant budget effort, which will be submitted to the parliament, the Storting. Oslo intends to dedicate 115 billion crowns (10.25 billion euros) additional to its defense by 2036, including 31 billion crowns (2.76 billion euros) by 2030. This includes an extension to 2040 of the country’s long-term defense plan, which covered the period 2025-2036.

Over the past five years, Norway has significantly increased its military spending, from 5.8 billion euros in 2021 to 16 billion euros in 2026, including 6 billion for equipment purchases for Ukraine. With the newly announced budget plan, Norway is expected to allocate 3.5% of its GDP to defense by 2035.

Thanks to these additional funds, the government proposes to accelerate the development of the new Finnmark brigade by two years, based in the north of the country. This will also include acquiring precision ammunition, expediting the service of new type 212CD submarines built in Germany, ordering two first frigates of type 26 from the UK, modernizing infrastructure to accommodate allied forces, supporting the development of the national and European defense industry, as well as enhancing capabilities in electronic warfare, short-range air defense, and anti-drone warfare.

Oslo also prioritizes strengthening strategic cooperation with the kingdom’s closest allies. They have already concluded strategic defense agreements with the UK and Germany, with negotiations ongoing with France. Norway aims to make the Nordic region the most integrated defense area in Europe.

Regarding France, Norway is particularly interested in Paris’s commitment to enhancing European security around the French nuclear deterrent.

In recent years, Oslo has made efforts to strengthen its military capabilities, especially the navy, which will be upgraded in the coming decade. Six new 212CD submarines will be built in Kiel alongside six others for the German fleet. The first Norwegian vessel is expected to be delivered in 2029.

Concerning frigates, France failed to sell FDI to Norway due to political reasons, leading Norway to choose their historical British ally for T26 frigates, which will excel in anti-submarine warfare but have weaker air defense. Negotiations for the first two units are ongoing, with deliveries expected in 2030 and 2032. The Norwegian navy hopes for five to six new frigates and plans to renew most of its naval units.

【Context】Norway is increasing its defense budget to strengthen its military capabilities, focusing on enhancing its navy and strategic partnerships with allies like the UK, Germany, and France.

【Fact Check】The article is written and reproduced by Mer et Marine, with reproduction prohibited without the authors’ consent.