Norway Proposes $56 Billion Military Upgrade Amidst Rising Tensions in Europe
The Norwegian government has asked Parliament to approve a massive increase in the country’s military budget. The increase would add 600 billion NOK (or approximately $56 billion USD) in defense spending over the next 12 years. If approved, the plan would nearly double Norway’s annual military spending by 2036. Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Stoere, said: “this plan represents a historic boost in defence spending and involves a significant strengthening of all branches of the armed forces.”
Ever since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, there has been a growing political debate in Europe around re-militarizing the continent, especially among the countries in Russia’s vicinity like Norway. As a document, titled “A changed security situation”, published by the Norwegian Intelligence Service states:
“Norway is facing a more serious threat environment now than it has in decades. As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, Russia is about to gain the military upper hand. The Russian military industry is running at full steam, and China, Belarus, Iran and North Korea are providing considerable materiel support. Russia is better positioned in the war than it was a year ago, and the Russian armed forces remain the main military threat to Norway’s sovereignty, its people, territory, key societal functions and infrastructure.”
Norway’s plan for boosting its military also comes amidst many European nations grappling with uncertainty about the US’s continued willingness to defend the continent, given the US Congress’ sluggishness in passing an aid bill for Ukraine in recent months, and the country’s broader reorientation towards the Pacific.
All in all, Norway is not alone in its push towards remilitarization. The latest move echoes a recent call made by Andrzej Duda, the Polish President, for NATO members to increase military spending to 3% of their GDP. This target has already been reached by some European nations, including Estonia and Poland itself.