The Norwegian government has approved the acquisition of two additional submarines and a new long-range missile package, raising total defense investment to around 6.5 billion dollars. The information was published by the Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang (VG).
According to the report, Oslo decided to expand its submarine program by authorizing the purchase of two more units built in Germany, in addition to the four previously ordered. Although the specific model was not mentioned, it is known that in March 2021 Norway signed a contract for four Type 212CD submarines with the German company Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).
Under the current schedule, the first submarine is expected to be delivered to the Royal Norwegian Navy in 2028, with the program set for completion in 2033. The inclusion of two new submarines will increase the total cost by 46 billion Norwegian kroner (US$ 4.552 billion), an amount similar to the initial budget for the first four units.
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“It is expensive, but it is a significant investment in Norway’s security. A crisis or war would cost much more,” said the Minister of Defense, Tore O. Sandvik.
The decision follows recommendations made in 2023 by the Chief of the Norwegian Armed Forces, who called for a large-scale renewal of naval and coast guard capabilities. Among his priorities was increasing the submarine fleet from four to six units.
“Submarines are by far the most powerful deterrent element. Therefore, it is very important that we, as a state, are able to operate submarines simultaneously in several areas,” stated the Commander of the Royal Norwegian Navy, Oliver Berdal.
In addition to expanding the submarine fleet, Norway also approved the purchase of long-range missiles valued at 19 billion kroner (US$ 1.88 billion). The package includes launchers, missiles, training materials, integrated logistics, and support systems.
The Defense Minister added that the acquisition strengthens the country’s deterrence capability: “It is important that we have defensive capabilities that can keep a potential enemy from harming us. Long-range weapons have a deterrent effect because they can hit targets deep inside enemy territory if necessary.”
Although the selected supplier has not been disclosed, Sandvik confirmed that the German company KNDS was eliminated from the competition. Two candidates remain: the HIMARS system from the American company Lockheed Martin, and the South Korean K239 Chunmoo from Hanwha Aerospace. According to the portal Hartpunkt, the government is leaning toward choosing the Chunmoo system.
Source and images: TKMS | vg | militarnyi. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
