A “win-win situation”.
This is how the supreme leader of the Norwegian Armed Forces, Eirik Kristoffersen, describes Norway’s recent purchase of tanks.
– Yes, we buy tanks. Then that debate is dead. And then we have chosen a number where we – within the limits I have seen – can buy other things, he says to TV 2.
Because tanks were not at the top of Kristoffersen’s wish list.
– My concern was that we did not invest in even more forward-looking defense equipment, which we also need.
The chief of defense advocated for Norway to prioritize both air defense and long-range weapon systems, which the US is now donating to Ukraine, over new tanks.
Smaller number
– What has happened since I gave that advice is that the Armed Forces and the government have had a very close and good dialogue, says Kristoffersen to TV 2.
He emphasizes that it is not a given that his military advice is conclusive.
They have talked about the advantages and disadvantages of tanks.
The number of tanks has also been discussed. Because originally Norway was to buy 72 tanks, but the number was adjusted down to 54.
– Which I think is a good decision, says the defense chief.
– We landed on a very good solution that frees up funds for what I think is important to acquire, but also tanks – which NATO has asked us to do.
The defense needs more
Janne Haaland Matlary, professor of political science at UiO and the Norwegian Academy of Defense, thinks 54 tanks sounds like a good compromise.
At the same time, she clarifies that the Armed Forces need more money.
– And the government hasn’t planned for that, yet, she says.
CRITICAL: Professor Janne Haaland-Matlary believes Norway will have to spend more money on the Armed Forces. Photo: Kristin Grønning / TV 2
Of all the NATO members that border Russia, Norway is the only country that does not meet NATO’s self-imposed budget targets: two percent of gross domestic product.
Today, Russia has three naval bases:
- One in Kaliningrad, on the Baltic Sea, which is surrounded by NATO members.
- One on the Crimean peninsula, which is an important piece in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
- And the Northern Fleet on the Kola Peninsula, a peninsula in Russia, between the Barents Sea and Kvitsjøen.
The latter is the naval base least exposed to the Russians. The base is located in Poljarny, which is only 120 kilometers from Grense Jakobselv.
Therefore, the North Calotte is becoming increasingly important to the Russians, according to Matlary.
– We must expect that there will be much greater tension in the north. Therefore, the Norwegian defense will have to spend more money, and they will have to prepare for each type of situation, she says.
– And that’s the new thing. That is the radically new.
Cooperation in the Nordic countries
The German Leopard 2A7 will be Norway’s new tank.
The first tanks are expected to be delivered in 2026. There is an option to purchase a further 18 tanks later.
The Leopard is NATO’s leading tank and is used by 18 countries. Among the countries that use the weapon system are Sweden, Denmark and Finland.
The competition was between the Leopard 2A7 from KMW and the South Korean K2 Black Panther from Hyundai Rotem.
The fact that the Nordic countries use the same model has played a major role in the choice Norway has made; a joint weapons system provides better conditions for good cooperation, according to Kristoffersen.
Now it will be possible to integrate the forces in a different way, he says.
– We have already started looking at what we call a common defense concept for the Scandinavian peninsula, and how we can work even more closely together.
The time ahead
So does Norway have the defense equipment needed?
– I would never say that the defense has what they need. I always want to say that they need more.
In May, the Chief of Defense will give a new military advice. Then Kristoffersen will say how his management will put forward a long-term plan for development in the future.
