In June, the Northern Norwegian military bases on Evenes and in Ramsund became ”agreed areas” with the US after a new defense agreement. Airborne maritime surveillance and maritime logistics cooperation at the bases is on the horizon, says Norwegian MoD.
After the Norwegian Parliament’s approval, Norway’s additional agreement with the US on defense cooperation entered into force in June 2022.
With this, the US gained the right to unimpeded access to and use of four ”agreed areas” (military bases) in Norway, two of which are located in the north: Evenes Air Station and Ramsund Naval Base. The agreement also allows the US to be granted exclusive access and the right to use parts of the areas by separate agreements, as well as for extensive American authority over Norwegian citizens who may come into contact with these areas. Eight months later, High North News checks the status of the process of making the two bases into agreed areas in practice.
”Work is still underway to facilitate the practical implementation of the agreement,” says Norwegian MoD Bjørn Arild Gram (Center) to HNN and continues:
”At Evenes, the aim is to develop cooperation between Norwegian, British, and American P-8 maritime surveillance aircraft – in accordance with the investments that are made in the Norwegian Armed Forces’ long-term plan. […]
Ramsund Naval Base, for its part, is intended as a logistics hub for Norwegian, American, and other allied maritime vessels. This is the Norwegian Navy’s main base in Northern Norway and it has supply services and a maintenance workshop.
”In Ramsund, the aim is to develop maritime logistics cooperation. In the current long-term plan for the defense sector, it is planned that the Ramsund Naval Base will have an expanded role as the Navy’s base in the North – and that the base is further developed to support the Navy and allies, including expanded quay facilities, storage of ammunition, logistics, and maintenance. […]
”Our NATO allies train and exercise regularly in Norway, something that may also involve periodical presence in connection with logistics support. Increased cooperation with the US and other allies at Evenes and Ramsund is desired and will provide economies of scale and increased operative effect.” Läs artikel
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