Page 22 - Norwegian Special Report

Reshaping Norwegian Defense

Lt. General Jakobsen spoke at the Norwegian Airpower Conference on 5th Gen and I had a chance to talk
with him after the conference as well.

During his presentation, he underscored the crucial need to have a very credible and high threshold against
any power that thought about attacking Norway.

Lt. General Jakobsen discussing the role of the F-35 in the evolution of Norwegian defense at the Norwegian
Airpower Conference.
On the one hand, this meant better force integration of Norwegian forces, and within this effort F-35
integration with the total force was deemed a critical aspect of the way ahead.

On the other hand, shaping more capable and effective integration with allied forces operating in the North
Atlantic was integral to shaping a very high threshold against any attack against Norway.

Reshaping C2 and working force integration at home and with allies are seen as key challenges facing the
joint force.

According to Lt. General Jakobsen, Norway pursued a total defense concept during the Cold War, in terms of
integrating defense with civil society, somewhat like Finland does today.

Norway is returning to such a concept but in 21st century terms, which means building out for new 21st century
capabilities.

Lt. General Jakobsen discussing the way ahead with regard to force integration to provide for Norwegian
defense at the Norwegian Airpower Conference.

“Together with Sweden during the Cold War, we were world champions in total defense concept, if you know
that, I mean all governmental institutions linked together in not an organization but a network where all parts
of society had a role in defense.

“We moved away from that after the Cold War.

“In the post Cold War period, we have focused on international operations much more than on national
defense.

“Since 2014, we have re-shifted our focus to rebuild national defense capabilities.”
He then underscored the challenges in shaping the way ahead.

“We have a modern navy.

“We will have one of the most modern air forces in Europe when procurement projects have finished, but
unfortunately we have put the land forces on hold.

“There is a study going on that will deliver a report in June what kind of land force we need in future. And I
have great expectations too that that will fill in the missing pieces.

“We don’t think a conflict with Russia will occur on a bilateral basis between our two countries. If we will have
a conflict in future it will be a spillover from tensions somewhere else in Europe.

“Of course, Russia relies heavily on the Kola Peninsula and is expanding its reach to defend the Peninsula and
those poses challenges as well.”
Second Line of Defense

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