– It will strengthen our security and defense capabilities, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp) to news. The two US billion will be used, among other things, to build four hangars for fighter planes, warehouses, increased capacity for ammunition storage and better security around the air station. The Minister of Defense emphasizes that the Americans will not have permanent deployment of combat aircraft at Rygge. – But it is a base that the Americans can use when they need it and when we have to interact with them. Norwegian and other allied forces will also be able to use the new buildings, with the exception of the warehouses. The Americans want these for themselves. According to the plan, the project at Rygge is to be completed by the end of 2027. Photo: Håkon Mosvold Larsen / NTB To make arrangements for combat aircraft In June 2022, the Storting agreed to the conclusion of an additional agreement on defense cooperation between Norway and the USA. Among other things, the agreement facilitates US investment in infrastructure in reunified areas. The government has defined these areas as Rygge, Sola and Evenes air stations, in addition to Ramsund orlog station. Now the government has approved extensive American investments at Rygge air station. – It will facilitate increased American activity on Rygge, says the defense minister. Rygge air station is also the base for several of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ helicopters, such as the Bell 412. Photo: Øyvind Bye Skille / news The air station is located in the municipality of Moss and is the headquarters of the Air Force’s management in Norway. American personnel have long been present at the military area in Østfold. But now Norway must make better arrangements for American fighter planes to be able to train in cooperation with the Norwegian Defense Forces and other allies in Norwegian airspace. – Then it is right to have surfaces and buildings in place at Rygge which means that you have areas from which you can operate, says Gram. If it becomes Norwegian property, the US will cover 100 percent of the costs associated with the construction. After the construction is finished, the infrastructure will become Norwegian property with right of use for the American forces. – It is important for Norway to have good interaction with allies and the US is a very important ally for us. It strengthens our safety and security that we develop this collaboration, says Gram. – There will be investments for a five-year period going forward, he says. – Does not contribute to our security The Socialist Left Party is skeptical of the American presence at Rygge air station. – Bases on Norwegian soil do not contribute to increased security, but contribute to a rearmament that is not in Norway’s interest, says Storting representative Freddy André Øvstegård. Freddy André Øvstegård, Storting representative from SV, is skeptical about foreign bases in Norway. Photo: Javad M. Parsa / news – We must build a strong defense in cooperation with our neighboring countries. Having foreign major powers present in Norway does not contribute to increased security for us. SV wants to have more discussion in the Storting about Norwegian security policy and our dependence on the USA in the future. May be increased activity Rygge air station is also the base for several of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ helicopters, such as the Bell 412. The rescue service is also based at Rygge with its Sea King helicopters. It may become relevant with more military exercises from Rygge as the American project develops. So far, no fixed practice cycle has been set for this type of activity, writes the government in a press release. The mayor of Moss, Hanne Tollerud (Ap), believes that the Americans’ investments will also be a positive boost for the local businesses. – There will be some form of construction activity inside the military airport and the hope is that you can also use local companies, says Tollerud.
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The USA invests NOK 2 billion for Rygge airport – news Oslo and Viken – Local news, TV and radio
