Norwegian government announces major increase in defense spending
The Norwegian government announced on March 27 a new effort to support its armed forces, which will receive an additional budget of over 10 billion euros by 2036.
As part of increasing threat levels and commitments made in 2025 within NATO to increase military spending among allied countries, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced a significant budgetary effort on Thursday, March 27. Oslo plans to allocate an additional 115 billion crowns (10.25 billion euros) to its defense by 2036, including 31 billion crowns (2.76 billion euros) by 2030. This also involves extending the country’s long-term defense plan to 2040, which covered the period 2025-2036.
Over the past five years, Norway has significantly increased its military spending, from 5.8 billion euros in 2021 to 16 billion euros in 2026, including 6 billion for equipment purchases for Ukraine. With the newly announced budget increase, Norway is expected to spend 3.5% of its GDP on defense by 2035.
The government plans to accelerate the development of the new Finnmark brigade by two years, acquire precision munitions, expedite the deployment of new submarines from Germany, order two type 26 frigates from the UK, modernize infrastructure for allied forces, support the development of national and European defense industries, and improve electronic warfare, short-range air defense, and anti-drone capabilities.
Oslo is also focusing on strengthening strategic cooperation with its closest allies such as the UK, Germany, and ongoing negotiations with France. Norway aims to make the Nordic region the most integrated defense area in Europe.
In terms of naval capabilities, Norway will see a significant upgrade with the construction of six new type 212CD submarines. They have opted to acquire T26 frigates from the UK, focusing more on anti-submarine capabilities than air defense, essential in recent conflicts. Talks continue between the UK and Norway for the delivery of the frigates, with future deliveries expected between 2030 and 2032. The Norwegian Navy aims for five to six new frigates and overall fleet modernization.
Source: Mer et Marine. Reproduction without permission from the authors is prohibited.
