Norway is set to significantly enhance its maritime defense capabilities by acquiring two additional German-made submarines and long-range missiles, as the country responds to growing security concerns stemming from increased Russian military activity in the North Atlantic and the Barents Sea. This announcement was made by Defence Minister Tore Sandvik, who emphasized the essential role of submarines in safeguarding Norway’s coastal and maritime interests.
Norway shares a 198-kilometer (123-mile) land border with Russia, which has been involved in an ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In light of this geopolitical tension, Sandvik reaffirmed that submarines are “absolutely essential” to the nation’s defense strategy, critical for both monitoring and deterring threats in the region.
The recent procurement of submarines builds on a previous order from 2021, in which Norway contracted four submarines from the German company Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, with the first expected delivery in 2029. Sandvik highlighted Norway’s unique position as “NATO’s ‘eyes and ears’ in the North,” underscoring the necessity for enhanced operational capacity in the vicinity.
To fund these purchases and accommodate rising costs, the Norwegian government has proposed a substantial increase to the defense budget, amounting to an additional 46 billion kroner (approximately $4.5 billion). The budget increase reflects the financial implications associated with acquiring modern submarines and their associated armaments.
In a related announcement, the defense ministry disclosed that 19 billion kroner (around $1.8 billion) would be allocated for long-range missile systems capable of striking targets up to 500 kilometers (300 miles) away. While specifics regarding the missile systems have not been officially disclosed, reports suggest that options being considered include capabilities from the U.S. Himars system, South Korea’s Chunmoo missiles, and equipment from Germany’s KNDS group.
This comprehensive approach is seen as a vital step for Norway as it seeks to fortify its defenses in the face of shifting regional security dynamics and to maintain its commitments to NATO.
