Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik said: “Submarines are an important strategic capacity in Norwegian waters, which helps deter possible opponents and strengthen the defence of Norwegian interests in an unsettled time.” He added: “Norway is a coastal and ocean nation and submarines are absolutely central in the defence of our country. We see that the activity from Russian forces in the North Atlantic and the Barents Sea has increased. As NATO’s eyes and ears in the north this places greater demands on our ability to show presence, monitor and deter in our local areas. In that context submarines are completely indispensable.”
The government has proposed raising the cost frame by 46 billion crowns, including VAT, contingency and implementation costs, reflecting higher prices for raw materials and defence equipment. Norway is also helping finance a second production line in Germany to ensure the expanded fleet can be built quickly enough, and shares in TKMS rose 1 percent at 1240 GMT after the company confirmed the order.
Sandvik said: “The Chief of Defence has given a clear recommendation to acquire six submarines. With six submarines the Armed Forces will be able to operate more vessels in more places at any given time. That will have a strong deterrent effect on a possible opponent. It will also help strengthen NATO’s collective ability to ensure control and defence in the North Atlantic and the northern areas.” Norway’s role as NATO’s monitor for two million square kilometres of North Atlantic waters used by Russia’s northern fleet underscores the continued operational significance of the new submarines.
The ministry said one of the key tasks for the expanded fleet will be to monitor Russian submarines based on the Kola Peninsula, an Arctic region bordering Norway. Sandvik said: “We are in a very serious security policy situation. Norway and our allies shall strengthen defence capability, while at the same time prices for defence equipment increase. The government believes that it is right to prioritise the acquisition of two additional submarines now. It is an expensive investment, but also an important investment in securing Norway in an unsettled time.”
He added: “Now Parliament will consider the government’s recommendation. Thereafter we aim to sign the contract for the two new submarines before the deadline expires.” The Defence Ministry separately announced plans to procure long range missiles for the Army, capable of reaching targets 500 kilometres away, in a 19 billion crown investment prompted by lessons from missile intensive warfare in Ukraine.
Norway stressed Germany remains a key ally and partner in long term defence cooperation at a time when NATO countries are raising military spending amid pressure from the United States and concerns over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Joint projects in submarine technology, tanks and air defence continue to enhance the operational capabilities of both nations.
Source: Norwegian Ministry of Defence (press release).
