The government proposes to close down several military bases in its long-term plan for the Armed Forces, which will be presented on Friday, according to NRK news.
The Armed Forces have said that they need 180 billion kroner more over 20 years if they are to maintain the current level of activity.
This corresponds to the increase in appropriations the government now advocates, according to the TV channel. Nevertheless, the long-term plan will lead to a number of closures.
– We will use the money in a prudent and efficient manner. We will use less of the money on bases and square meters and on operability and defense capability instead, Defence Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide says.
The airbase at Andøya and Kjevik, the Coastal Ranger command outside of Harstad, the fitness center at Åsegarden and Møre og Fjordane Home Guard District will all be closed down if the government gets its way. In addition, the Army Bands will be reduced from five to three.
– The current structure of the bases, has not changed in line with the rest of the changes that have taken place in the Armed Forces, Eriksen explains.
Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today
