‘Since we presented the Long-term Defence Plan, the world has become more unstable and the security landscape more complex. We are now taking steps to adjust the plan to ensure more effective development of our defence capabilities in a more uncertain world. The cost of defence equipment has increased and the war in Ukraine has given us new insights. We are therefore allocating a significant increase in resources to the long-term plan, while also carefully weighing the priorities needed to rapidly strengthen Norway’s defence capabilities,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The Long-term Defence Plan 2025–2036 was presented by the Government and unanimously adopted by the Storting (Norwegian parliament) in 2024. The strategic direction and overall objectives set out in the 2024 plan remain unchanged. The Government is now proposing to allocate an additional NOK 115 billion for the period up to 2036, with NOK 31 billion of this to be provided by 2030. In addition, the planning period will be extended to 2040.

‘We are strengthening Norway’s defence capabilities. We will be starting the most concentrated investments in submarines and frigates earlier, and we are accelerating the development of the Finnmark Brigade. We are replenishing stockpiles in order to better enhance preparedness and resilience in the Armed Forces while Russia wages war in Ukraine. At the same time, we are maintaining a high level of activity and ensuring necessary monitoring in our region. The Government is proposing to provide an additional NOK 115 billion to the financial framework for the Norwegian Armed Forces for the period up to 2036. We are identifying what is most important and giving this priority, which will lead to delays and reductions in other areas set out in the plan. We are hoping the parties in the Storting will achieve broad political agreement on continuing to strengthen the Armed Forces in these turbulent times for global security,’ said Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.

‘One of the key priorities in the Government’s Plan for Norway is safeguarding the security of our country. The Government is committed to sound economic governance, and will implement the initiative to increase Norwegian defence capabilities within a responsible state budget,’ said Mr Støre.

Priority areas        

The Government is proposing that the increased funding is used to:

  • accelerate the development of the Finnmark Brigade, including both equipment and personnel, by two years;
  • increase investment in battle-decisive munitions and security of supply;
  • accelerate the phasing in of new submarines and procurement of the first two frigates;
  • upgrade critical defence infrastructure to be able to receive and support Allied forces in Norway;
  • support measures to increase production capacity for the Norwegian and European defence industry;
  • enhance capabilities for electronic warfare, short-range air defence, drone defence and autonomy.

Assessments provided by the Chief of Defence have been given particular consideration in the Government’s work to further develop the Long-term Defence Plan.

‘We are giving priority to certain key, major investments that will be essential to our defence capabilities in the long-term. At the same time, we are increasing the operating budget and upgrading the defence infrastructure already in place. This is to ensure that the Armed Forces can do what is required to protect the country in its day-to-day operations,’ said Mr Sandvik.

An increasingly unstable security situation and escalating defence costs    

There are a number of reasons why the Government has decided to adjust the Long-term Defence Plan and increase defence. Norway is contending with the most serious security situation since the Second World War, with war in both Europe and the Middle East.

‘The outcome of the war in Ukraine will have an impact on European security for a long time to come. When the war ends, we must be prepared for Russia to further strengthen its military presence in our neighbourhood,’ said Mr Støre.

The cost of weapons and defence equipment has escalated, and NATO has increased its requirements for member states. In addition, new technologies are rapidly evolving.

‘The war in Ukraine has shown us how new technology is changing the way we conduct military operations. That is why we are investing more in new technology, electronic warfare, and space-based communication,’ said Mr Sandvik.

The Government has increased Norway’s defence budget significantly every year since 2021. In 2021, Norway spent NOK 65 billion on defence. The defence budget for 2026 is NOK 180 billion, or NOK 112 billion not counting support to Ukraine.

With the proposed increase in funding, defence spending is projected to reach 3.5 % of Norway’s GDP by 2035, excluding support to Ukraine. This is in line with the new commitment agreed on at the 2025 NATO Summit to invest at least 3.5 % of GDP annually on defence expenditures.

‘It costs a lot to invest in defence, but the costs of war are even higher. We are investing in defence and preparedness in order to increase deterrence and prevent war, but we are prepared to defend Norway and NATO,’ said Mr Sandvik.

Strategic cooperation more vital         

The Government gives priority to facilitating strategic cooperation with Norway’s closest allies. Norway has already entered strategic defence agreements with the UK and Germany, and negotiations with France are under way. Norway is also working to establish the Nordic region as the most integrated defence region in Europe.

‘Closer cooperation with our neighbouring countries strengthens our operational capability and our industrial capacity. It enhances our deterrence capabilities and strengthens our collective military power. More binding cooperation will also promote an increased Allied presence in areas that are important to us, particularly the Arctic,’ said Mr Støre.