Page 71 - North Atlantic and Nordic Defense

North European and North Atlantic Defense: The Challenges Return

FIGURE 22 CONCEPTUALIZING NORWEGIAN MARITIME BOUNDARIES.

With the modernization of Russian forces, the addition of new surface and subsurface assets and enhanced
precision strike capabilities, Norway and, indeed NATO, faces a formidable challenge, on both the
conventional and nuclear level. A key requirement is to have very accurate real time knowledge of the
operation of Russian forces and sufficient capability to deal with those forces in times of crisis.

The Norwegians already have Aegis combat systems aboard their frigates which provides an opportunity to
build out the fleet and to integrate them with the new air combat power coming to Norway and to NATO in
the region.

Both the F-35s with their ability to have significant reach through the MADL linkages among the fleet and the
ability to process data in real time, as well as the P-8 maritime domain awareness strike platform which can
be cross linked among Norwegian, American and British platforms provides an important element of shaping
a way ahead for the kind air-sea integration Norway needs to deal with evolving challenges.

http://www.sldinfo.com/the-arrival-of-a-maritime-domain-awareness-strike-capability-the-impact-of-the-p-
8triton-dyad/
During the Conference, one analyst focused on the bastion defense approach being taken by the Russians
from the Kola Peninsula out and the challenges this posed for Norway. The broad point is that not only are
the Russians modernizing their forces they are working and extended reach for those forces from their own
territories.
This was point made as well in an interview we did with the recently retired head of NORAD/NORTHCOM
who highlighted the enhanced threat from the 10 and 2 Oclock from the United States and, of course,
Norway lies in the 2:00 region as seen from North America.

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