Norway to massively increase defence budget by 2036
SNMCMG1 and HNoMS Utvaer, Norwegian Royal Navy vessels, participated in the NATO Nordic Response 24 exercise. (Photo: forsvaret)
Norway has announced it will expand its defence budget to a total of NOK1.6 trillion (US$153 billion) in what has been called a “historic boost” for the Norwegian armed forces.
The Norwegian government specifically reinforced its commitment to strengthening the navy, purchasing at least five new frigates with anti-submarine helicopters, five new submarines, up to 10 standardised vessels and 18 smaller vessels.
The new defence plan also included Norway purchasing its first long-range air defence system to protect against short-range ballistic missiles and doubling the existing NASAMS air defence to combat drones and missiles.
According to the Norwegian government, the new defence plan will also expand the army by one brigade and increase the number of soldiers in the home guard.
“Finnish and Swedish NATO membership is a strength to security in our region, but also a new obligation to Norway,” stated Norwegian defence minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Medium Standard Vessels [Norway]
More from Naval Warfare
-
Lockheed Martin strengthens Spanish SPY-7 radar supply chain
The global defence giant chose a Spanish firm for its work on the Bonifaz-class frigate.
-
Oostende mine countermeasures vessel begins sea trials
The first vessel in the Belgian-Dutch rMCM mine-clearing fleet, the Oostende, has begun its sea trials before officially entering service in 2025.
-
US Navy places $312 million contract with Textron Systems for landing craft
Textron’s latest order for Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) follows on from a contract placed in August 2023 for five LCAC.
-
Japan to boost surface fleet with new destroyers and missile ships
Japan is enhancing its naval capabilities with the construction of the 13DDX advanced destroyer and Aegis System Equipped Vessels (AESV), aiming to strengthen its air and missile defence amid increasing security threats, particularly in East Asia.