NATO expands in Europe with new Combined Air Operations Centre in northern Norway

NATO has announced plans to establish its third Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) in northern Norway, further strengthening its presence in Europe.

The new centre, which will be located in Bodø, a city situated above the Arctic Circle in the Nordland region, follows similar facilities already operational in Germany and Spain, Caliber.Az reprots via foreign media. 

NATO member countries reached an agreement in February to proceed with the Norwegian CAOC, allowing Oslo to select the site. The decision to place the centre in Bodø underscores Norway's strategic location and its growing role in NATO’s defense infrastructure. 

“We want NATO’s foothold to be in the north of the country,” stated Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, emphasizing the importance of strengthening defense capabilities in the northernmost part of Europe. The CAOC will play a crucial role in coordinating air surveillance, as well as planning and executing NATO air operations in the region. However, the exact opening date for the centre has not yet been disclosed.

By Naila Huseynova