Norway boosts defence budget, but real impact remains unclear

Norway's government has proposed a defence budget of NOK39.2 billion (USD6.7 billion) for 2011: a nominal increase of NOK4.3 billion over the NOK34.9 billion invested in 2010.

In line with the stated policy of recent years, the document lists the military presence in the Arctic as the top priority, followed by Norway's contribution to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The armed forces will have a larger order of battle in 2011 due to the introduction into service of the last of five Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates. The remaining three of six Skjold-class coastal corvettes are also planned to be delivered in 2011.

Norwegian Coast Guard activities are also planned to increase, while a project for a new research (intelligence) ship will begin next year. The ship will replace the Norwegian Intelligence Service's Marjata , which mainly operates in the Barents Sea.

All four C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft ordered by Norway will enter operational service in 2011 and the first NH90 naval helicopters will begin to be introduced. The army will also operate more equipment, with funding for the Swedish-Norwegian 155 mm/52-calibre Archer field artillery system constituting the largest investment.