The government proposes a defense budget of NOK 75.8 billion, an increase of NOK 6.8 billion compared to the balanced budget for 2022. This is an increase of around 9.8 per cent. – The government plans to spend around NOK 1.2 billion on the defense sector’s real estate projects and construction projects in Troms and Finnmark in 2023, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp). In addition, the government is planning material investments of around NOK 3.8 billion. The funds are used for investments for the cavalry battalion at Porsangmoen camp, including the acquisition of housing and facilities, as well as shooting and training ranges, he says. Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram is one of the winners in this year’s state budget. Photo: Mats Rønning / news The artillery battalion continues the build-up to strengthen combat air defense and new artillery fire in 2023. The build-up of the Porsanger battalion with support elements at the Garrison in Porsanger continues where the departments are part of Finnmark land defence. Strengthening the army in the north The army will be strengthened by 64 man-years in 2023. The personnel increase will be prioritized for Finnmark Land Defense and Brigade North. The government also earmarks funds to improve barracks at, among others, Høybuktmoen, Porsanger and Bardufoss. The staffing in Brigade Nord is distributed between Troms and Rena. The Norwegian Navy The government proposes to strengthen the Norwegian Navy by a total of 37 man-years in 2023. A proportion of the increase in personnel is to be prioritized for the Ramsund naval station. The government has also proposed funds for adaptation to new submarines and maintenance dredging of the main quay in Ramsund. New investments have also been proposed to strengthen the Army’s departments in the north. This applies to, among other things, anti-aircraft defenses, portable anti-aircraft defenses, combat vehicles, cargo vehicles, engineering equipment and paving/engineering armored vehicles. Firing range The Storting has decided to initiate the development of Akkasæter in Blåtind firing range, thereby supporting the development of, and arranging for, allied training and practice. This project is planned by Forsvarsbygg to be completed in 2023. A storage hall is also being built at Bardufoss to cover the need for satisfactory storage of military equipment and materials for allied aircraft divisions, and a hall for temporary garages for allied aircraft and helicopters, says Gram Heimevernet Heimevernet is doing well again out of the state budget. In addition to increasing the number of soldiers by 500 people, there must be more training. Photo: Allan Klo / news The Home Guard will be strengthened by 500 people, from 37,000 to 37,500. – This is a cautious but realistic start to our plan, and it is in line with military professional advice, says Gram. In addition, the government wants a larger part of the area structure to practice every year. In total, the two measures are budgeted at NOK 94 million.
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Strengthens the Armed Forces with 6.8 billion
