Page 7 - Norwegian Special Report

Reshaping Norwegian Defense

The Norwegian Minister of Defense claims that Norway has become a medium NATO power – presumably largely
due to the fact that this is a substantial investment that most nations in NATO cannot afford. It is likely that this
investment will lead to commitments to other nations that we otherwise would not have had: once you have
acquired these platforms, the political pressure to use them will increase. The question remains whether Norway
can muster officers with broad and professional competence, who can influence processes on all levels (not only
the tactical one) in international operations. Thus, how we define “a Fifth Generation Air Force” is central for
addressing these issues.

The conference aims to reflect on and discuss the very premises for the current debate on defense in Norway and
NATO, and how airpower will play a central role in this picture. We also want to examine the key international
military conceptual (strategic) trends that are likely to influence Norway in the coming decade. Furthermore, the
conference aims to challenge the Air Force to answer more specifically what “a Fifth Generation Air Force” is, and
what is needed in order for us to become one. Finally, we would like to invite the Army, the Navy and the
Norwegian Operational Headquarter to present their expectations and perspectives on “a Fifth Generation Air
Force”, and the purchase of the joint resource that the F-35 is.

https://forsvaret.no/hogskolene/Sider/English.aspx

An additional capability being added to the force are five P-8s, and the role of these aircraft will be clearly
linked to coalition as well as national defense. The P-8 was a focus of attention at the Conference as well.
And here the key role seen by the British with regard to Norway and the Nordics is very clear indeed.

According to a news story published on December 6, 2016, the Norwegian decision was discussed.

“Norway signaled its intention to become the fourth export customer for the Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime
patrol aircraft. It will buy five for delivery in 2021-22 as a replacement for six Lockheed Martin P-3 Orions
and three Dassault Falcon 20s, all of which were delivered in the 1990s. The cost will reportedly be $1.5
billion, including sensors and weapons. Meanwhile, Boeing delivered the first of eight P-8As to the Royal
Australian Air Force (RAAF) last month.

“The P-8A is exactly what we need to maintain our important contribution to the [NATO] alliance,” said
Norwegian minister of defense Ine Eriksen Soreide. “The maritime domain is becoming more important as we
speak,” she added. The country’s maritime area of responsibility is large, about seven times its land mass. The
Norwegian Parliament must approve the acquisition,and is expected to do so this month.

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2016-12-06/norway-acquire-p-8s-boeing-delivers-
australia

FIGURE 2 UK DEFENCE SECRETARY SIR MICHAEL FALLON WITH INE MARIE ERIKSEN SØREIDE, THE DEFENSE MINISTER OF NORWAY, OUTSIDE OF
NORWAY’S JOINT HEADQUARTERS. CREDIT: NORWEIGN MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

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