Norway to Increase Defense Funding by €10 Billion by 2036

Wikimedia Commons, file Flag_of_Norway.svg

Norway has announced plans to significantly increase defense spending over the next decade as part of a long-term modernization strategy for its armed forces.

According to public reports, the Norwegian government will allocate an additional 115 billion Norwegian kroner (over €10 billion) to defense funding through 2036. The long-term plan was presented by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.

“This is an important priority to strengthen Norway’s defense capability in an environment that is becoming increasingly serious and unpredictable,” said Prime Minister Støre.

With the planned increase, Norway aims to reach a defense spending level equivalent to approximately 3.5% of GDP, exceeding the commonly referenced NATO benchmark.

The updated defense plan outlines investments across several key capability areas, including long-range air defense systems, naval modernization, and precision-guided technologies. The development timeline for the Finnmark Brigade, located in northern Norway, is also expected to be accelerated, with full operational readiness now planned by 2033.

The funding increase follows a previously approved long-term modernization framework under which Norway intends to invest approximately 1.635 trillion Norwegian kroner in strengthening its armed forces through 2036.

Recent international reports indicate that defense spending among NATO member states continues to increase. According to publicly available data, several European countries are expanding defense budgets and modernizing capabilities in response to evolving security and operational requirements.

Sources: NRK; European Pravda; NATO Annual Report 2025 (Secretary General Mark Rutte)