Norway reports dip in defence exports

The value of defence equipment exports from Norway fell by 8.3% in 2019, according to a report issued by the government on 12 June.

In 2019, Norwegian companies exported arms, ammunition and other military equipment worth around NOK4.4 billion ($460 million), down from the NOK4.8 billion recorded for 2018.

The overall value of exports of defence-related products and services, technology and dual-use items for military use from Norway in 2019 was just under NOK5.6 billion, the government announced.

NATO allies plus Sweden and Finland were the main overseas destinations for Norwegian defence sales in 2019, accounting for 90% of the total.

A total of 29 export licence applications were denied in 2019. ‘Norway has strict regulations in place for exports of defence-related products,’ said foreign minister Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide.  ‘We follow a precautionary approach and have a low threshold for denying export licences.’   

She added: ‘We will seek to facilitate Norwegian companies’ participation in international projects, and to ensure that the conditions of competition are as equal as possible for companies in all the countries concerned.’

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