On Friday, Norway’s government unveiled a proposal to increase defense spending by 600 billion kroner (51 billion euros) over the next 12 years, calling it a “historic increase.” “We need a big investment in our armed forces, and 12 years will allow for a longer planning cycle and greater predictability,” Deputy Defense Minister Anne Marie Anerud said Thursday on the sidelines of a Norwegian-American defense conference in Washington.
The largest share of funds will go to the Navy. They could get five new frigates with anti-submarine helicopters, at least five new submarines, and 10 large and 18 small ships. Oslo will buy long-range anti-aircraft defense systems. It will double the number of the nation’s leading surface-to-air missile systems (NASAM), which will be upgraded to better defend against missiles and drones; it will increase the number of observation ships, satellites, and drones. Oslo is expected to acquire more than 1,000 drones in 2019.
By 2036, Norway will receive about 4,600 more conscripts and 13,700 reservists.
