NATO currently operates two CAOCs, located in Uedem, Germany, and Torrejón, Spain. These centres play a crucial role in planning, directing, coordinating and supporting air operations in both peacetime and conflict.
Two Norwegian sites were evaluated for the new centre: Rygge Air Force Base and Reitan near Bodø in Northern Norway. The Government has now decided to nominate Reitan as the permanent location.
“Norway’s most important strategic interests lie in the High North. It therefore makes sense for the new Allied air operations centre to be located in the north,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Mr Støre also highlighted the operational advantage of proximity to the Norwegian Joint Headquarters. “The new centre will be situated close to the Norwegian Joint Headquarters, making the Bodø area a hub for the command and control of military operations in our region,” he stated.
The CAOC is scheduled to begin its tasks for NATO later this year. Initially, operations will be conducted from Bodø Air Base, while renovations are completed at the Reitan site.
“The establishment of this CAOC will ensure a more robust, unified defence of our region,” said Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.
Source: Norwegian Ministry of Defence.
