Armed Forces will get 165 billion Nok more over the next 20 years. At the same time 40 billion will be released through savings and efficiencies. Eleven military facilities will be phased out.
Over the next 20 years the long-term plan will cover a total increased need of about 165 billion ‘2016 kroner’, which will constitute a lasting and significant investment in the defense sector, stated the long-term plan.
The initiative is in addition to the already planned additional financing for the new F-35 fighter planes.
Long-term this is a new course, a change of pace and a historic commitment to defense, said Prime Minister Erna Solberg (H) when she presented it on Friday.
– We’re taking a big step towards NATO’s goals for defense budgets to draw close to 2 percent of GDP, she said.
Security and freedom
Solberg pointed to the threat of a more active neighbor in the East.
– The Armed Forces will seamlessly be able to work together with our allies if the crisis were to strike, she said.
– The new long-term plan is to strengthen our defense capabilities and help us continue to live in the security and freedom that we take for granted, stressed Solberg.
Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today
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