Page 15 - North Atlantic and Nordic Defense

North European and North Atlantic Defense: The Challenges Return

Very few, if any, of our challenges can be solved by military means alone. But the last three years have
showed us that military power remains an indispensable part of our security policy toolbox. The fight against
ISIL and violent extremism requires a military response as part of a broad, comprehensive approach. And
Russia’s actions have caused a need to bolster European defense capabilities and cooperation, both through
NATO, between the Nordic countries and bilaterally between friends and allies.
Norway’s top priorities in NATO for the past two years have been a renewed maritime focus with increased
attention to the North Atlantic and the High North, and a functional assessment of NATO’s command structure.
Both represent a clear response to the uncertainty introduced by Russia in this region.

Now, we do not consider Russia a military threat against Norway today. I want to be clear on that. However,
Norway is NATO in the North, and we share a border with an increasingly assertive neighbor with
superpower aspirations. A neighbor who has modernized its Armed Forces, significantly increased its military
presence in the High North, reintroduced the old East versus West schismatic thinking, engaged in subversive
actions against Western democracies, violated international law and undermined European stability.
While we expect Russia to remain true to our longstanding and common interest in keeping the High North
stable and peaceful, we must acknowledge that tension and conflict in other places may develop into a more
serious security situation in the North. And that has implications for Norwegian defense planning.

Parliament approved the government’s new long-term plan in November last year. It represents an historic
prioritization of our Armed Forces. Over the next 20 years, we are increasing our defense budget by 180
billion Norwegian kroner, or approximately 22 billion US dollars. After years of insufficient funding and a
gradual decline in our defense capabilities, we are now making sure that our Armed Forces have the combat
power, flexibility and sustainability needed in a changing and unpredictable security environment.
We are strengthening our military presence and our intelligence capacities.

Our new fleet of F-35 combat aircraft is on its way.

In addition, we are investing heavily in new maritime patrol aircraft, submarines, air defense, land power
capabilities and intelligence.

NATO and American security guarantees remain the cornerstone of our security policy, and as a NATO
member, Norway has an obligation to contribute to the collective security framework that we are a part of –
and depend upon. We take our obligations seriously.

In addition, defence cooperation between the Nordic countries, and between the Nordic and the Baltic
countries, has picked up over the last years, not least as a result of Russia’s assertiveness and unpredictability.

The Baltic Sea region has become a center of gravity in the region. Increased Russian activity, including a
more aggressive posture, has made the Nordic countries concerned. A crisis or conflict in the Baltic Sea region
may also spread to the High North.

The Nordic countries have a responsibility to promote stability and security in our region. While Norway and
Denmark are members of NATO, Sweden and Finland are not. But as close friends and neighbors, we are
facing the same challenges. That has sparked us to strengthen our dialogue and step up our military
cooperation.

We have established secure communication lines between our countries. And we continue to develop our
cooperation with regards to air surveillance, international operations and joint training and exercises. Last

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