Norway plans to massively increase military spending

Norway plans to increase its defense budget by NOK 600 billion (about EUR 51,6 bn) by 2036, which would set its military spending to 3 per cent of GDP, the Oslo government announced on April 5. The investment is intended as a response to Russia’s increasing hostility.

According to the announcement, the country will spend approximately EUR 139,6 billion on its armed forces over the next 12 years. In 2036, its military’s budget is expected to reach EUR 14,3 billion, an increase from EUR 6,1 bn in 2022, TVP World reports.

Furthermore, Norway will meet the NATO requirement to spend the equivalent of 2 per cent of GDP on defense this year, although it was previously assumed that this would take place in 2026.

“The Government commits to strengthening the Navy, with new frigates, submarines and other vessels. The plan also involves a robust air defense package, including Norway’s first long-range air defense system,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre told a press conference.

Other investments he mentioned were the expansion of the ground troops from one brigade to three, and increasing the size of the Home Guard (territorial troops) to 45,000 soldiers. The number of conscripts for military service is to increase by 4,600, and reservists by 13,700. The armed forces are to additionally employ 4,600 personnel.

“Norway or NATO are not threatening anyone. However, we must have the capacity to repel an attack in case of crisis and war, and a strong defense in our country will be a deterrent to those who would want to threaten our sovereignty,” the PM pointed out.

The prime minister clarified that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing in Europe, and Russia is switching its economy to war mode. “We assume that we will be dealing with a more unpredictable and dangerous neighbor for many more years to come.”

Norway borders Russia in the north of the Scandinavian Peninsula for nearly 200 kilometers.

Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum expressed the belief that Norway is in a special position, as revenues from the exploitation of natural resources (oil, gas, hydroelectric power plants) allow it to increase security spending without compromising social spending.

According to experts quoted by Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, a long-term plan to increase Norwegian defense spending is of great importance to NATO. Due to its location next to Sweden and Finland, Norway serves as a so-called “host country” for assistance from the US and other allied countries in case of crisis or war.