**Norwegian Submarine Acquisition**
Norway plans to invest approximately 65 billion Norwegian kroner (about $6.4 billion) to purchase two additional submarines, supplementing the four submarines it previously ordered from Germany’s TKMS. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance the country’s military capabilities, which includes acquiring long-range precision strike systems for the Army.
**Parliament Proposal and Financial Framework Adjustments**
The Norwegian government announced its intention to present a proposal to parliament seeking an increase in the budget for the submarine program by 46 billion kroner. This additional funding will cover the costs of the new submarines. To expedite their construction, Norway will invest in establishing a second production line in Germany.
**Response to Russian Threats**
The potential acquisition is influenced by heightened tensions with Russia, including airspace violations involving NATO allies. Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik emphasized the importance of submarines, stating they are central to the nation’s defense strategy. He indicated that operating a fleet of six submarines will enhance Norway’s operational capabilities and serve as a deterrent against potential adversaries.
**Increased Russian Military Activity**
Minister Sandvik noted an uptick in Russian military activities in the North Atlantic and Barents regions. The additional submarines will contribute to strengthening NATO’s overall defense posture in these strategic areas.
**Joint Frigate Operations with the UK**
Earlier this year, Norway also agreed to purchase at least five British-made Type-26 frigates, optimized for anti-submarine warfare at a cost of approximately $13.5 billion. The United Kingdom and Norway recently signed a defense agreement to jointly operate these frigates to track Russian submarines and secure the North Atlantic.
**Current Status of Submarine Orders**
Two of the four submarines previously ordered from TKMS are currently under construction in Germany, with the first delivery expected in 2029. The government acknowledges that the unit prices of submarines and associated weapon systems have escalated due to rising costs of raw materials and components since the initial contract was signed in 2021.
**Long-Range Precision Fires Initiative**
In addition to submarine procurement, Norway is planning to allocate 19 billion kroner for long-range precision fires capable of striking targets up to 500 kilometers away. Specific details on the equipment to be acquired for these systems remain undisclosed.
**Modernizing Defense Capabilities**
Minister Sandvik asserted the necessity for robust defense capabilities in light of increasing global instability, underscoring the deterrent effect of long-range precision weapons that could target deep within an adversary’s territory if necessary.
**Regional Defense Posture**
Denmark has expressed similar concerns, indicating a need for long-range strike capabilities to bolster its defense posture and contribute to NATO’s collective deterrence strategy, with specific plans yet to be finalized.
**About the Author**
The report was prepared by Rudy Ruitenberg, a Europe correspondent for Defense News, who has a background in reporting on technology, commodity markets, and politics.
