The Norwegian government has unveiled a substantial investment in air defense, Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said.
Støre stated that the investment, valued at 12.5 billion Norwegian Kroner (around 1.15 billion US dollars), represents the country’s most significant air defense investment in the past 30 years.
The funds will be utilized to purchase advanced Norwegian NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) missiles with ground-based launchers covering short, medium, and long-range capabilities.
Additionally, investments will be made in missile launchers and firefighting facilities.
Støre noted, “This investment by the government contributes to strengthening our national preparedness, and we will replace the air defense equipment we donated to Ukraine as quickly as possible.”
Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram highlighted the urgent need for a modern air defense system in Norway but acknowledged a significant international demand.
Gram stated, “Delivery times are no longer as we would like them to be,” explaining that the government needed to request new systems and that extraordinary steps were taken to expedite the procurement process.
