Norway allocates additional 115 billion kroner to defence by 2036

The Norwegian government has proposed strengthening the country’s defence budget by an extra 115 billion kroner (approximately €10.2 billion) through 2036, with 31 billion kroner allocated before 2030, NTB reports.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Defence Chief Eirik Johan Kristoffersen presented the updated Long-Term Defence Plan on Friday, citing increased global instability and rising costs for military equipment.

“Since we first presented the plan, the world has become more unpredictable, and the security situation more serious,” Støre said in a statement. “We are making necessary adjustments to ensure an effective development of our defence capabilities in a more dangerous era.”

The government highlighted key priorities in the revised plan, including accelerating the establishment of the Finnmark Brigade by two years, investing in critical ammunition and supply readiness, and expediting the acquisition of new submarines and frigates. Additional funds will also upgrade infrastructure to support allied forces in Norway and boost domestic and European defence production capacity.

Støre emphasised that while the original 2024 plan—unanimously approved by parliament—remains largely intact, adjustments were needed due to lessons from the war in Ukraine and inflation in defence procurement.

“We are allocating significantly more funding while making tough prioritisation choices to rapidly strengthen Norway’s defence capabilities,” he added.