Norway and Germany sign defence arrangement

– Strong European cooperation is essential to fulfilling NATO’s burden-sharing commitments, where Europe must assume a greater share of responsibility for its own security. Germany is one of Norway’s most important allies in Europe and our key partner in the EU. Now, we are taking our close and robust cooperation a step further, said Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik.

Last summer, Prime Minister Støre and Chancellor Merz announced that Norway and Germany would develop a bilateral defence arrangement. This arrangement was signed during the Munich Security Conference.

– This is a natural development in an evolving security landscape. We aim to establish a framework that encompasses the full scope of bilateral defence cooperation between Norway and Germany. Our countries stand united in a time of heightened uncertainty in Europe, sharing security interests, a solid industrial partnership, and a joint responsibility to strengthen NATO and European security, Sandvik added.

Five key areas of cooperation

The arrangement covers collaboration across all domains, with five primary focus areas:

• Space-based surveillance, targeting and communications
• Maritime security and joint maritime operations in the North Atlantic and the North Sea
• Land warfare with the use of combined arms.
• Rapid reinforcement
• Defence industry
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Strengthening maritime cooperation

Norway and Germany already cooperate extensively in areas such as space activities, maritime security, land operations, mutual reinforcement, and the defence industry. A central pillar of this cooperation is defence materiel, including submarines, missiles, and new main battle tanks.

Norway’s Parliament, Stortinget recently approved the acquisition of two additional submarines, bringing the total to six. Once delivered, Norway and Germany will each operate six identical submarines. The countries are also collaborating on the development of next-generation long-range maritime missiles (3SM).

– Submarines are critical to the defence of allied territory. They are vital to NATO’s ability to maintain control and defence in the North Atlantic and the High North. Our partnership with Germany is crucial in this effort. We have established comprehensive cooperation on personnel training, and both nations are building new maintenance facilities at Haakonsvern in Bergen—a state-of-the-art capability for our submarine fleets, Sandvik noted.

Like Norway, Germany is modernising its navy in the coming years.

– Together, we will field larger and more capable naval forces. Germany is committed to taking greater responsibility in the North Atlantic, with increased presence in our neighbouring regions. This is a positive development for Norwegian and allied security, he said.

Allied reinforcement in Norway

Germany’s forces regularly train and exercise in Norway, including during the upcoming winter exercise Cold Response 26. 

– This training is essential for allied forces to operate effectively in Norwegian conditions, particularly in winter. Allied presence directly enhances Norway’s security, Sandvik emphasised.

Norway will continue to expand its infrastructure to support the reception of allied reinforcements. Discussions are underway on whether Germany will pre-position equipment in Norway.

Norway’s acquisition of German Leopard A28 main battle tanks help further develop cooperation between the land forces.

– Main battle tanks are the Army’s primary combat system and are pivotal to our land warfare capabilities. As Germany also strengthens its land forces, we can exchange valuable insights on training, exercises, tactics, and technology, Sandvik said.

Norwegian and German’s forces also cooperate closely, including in the German-led NATO Multinational brigade in Lithuania as a part of the Alliance’s enhanced forward presence.

Industrial cooperation and space activities

Last year, Norway was the second-largest importer of defence materiel after Ukraine, procuring equipment worth up to €1.4 billion (approximately NOK 16 billion). This investment fosters industrial cooperation and supports jobs and value creation in Norway. One example is that the Norwegian company RITEK based in Trøndelag in the middle of Norway, will assemble 37 of the 54 Leopard 2 main battle tanks that Norway has ordered from the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann.

Norwegian and German industries are also advancing joint technology projects in the space domain.

– Space capabilities are increasingly vital to military operations. Andøya Spaceport plays a central role in Norway’s space strategy and holds significant potential for Germany’s launch activities, Sandvik highlighted.