Norway's defence focus will shift to the High North

Subject

Norway's defence policy.

Significance

The 'Long-Term Plan for the Norwegian Armed Forces for the Years 2017-2020', released on June 17, sets the tone for Oslo's current and future defence policy. It announces a significant spending increase dedicated primarily to procuring key capabilities. It also solidifies Norway's strategic orientation to the High North, a process which has been under way for some time after a decade of expeditionary operations in places such as Afghanistan.

Impacts

• The plan will support increasing cooperation among NATO's northern members, including the United Kingdom, Denmark, Iceland and Canada.
• A greater focus on the High North may further strain NATO's relations with Russia.
• Norway's increased defence spending may raise US pressure on other NATO countries to do the same.