Norway’s Navy Chief: ‘High North, Low Tension’ Depends on Our Own Capability At Sea, highnorthnews.com

Norway’s government recently launched major investments in the country’s naval forces. This will increase important Norwegian presence in the North vis-á-vis Russia, maintains Navy Chief Oliver Berdal. “We must be able to safeguard our maritime interests on an independent basis,” he says. […]

”The government’s proposal to acquire more submarines – which are among the most impactful and deterrent weapon systems we have – as well as acquiring at least five new frigates, is very positive to our ability to defend ourselves,” maintains the Navy chief and continues:

”Russia is about to renew its entire fleet, from submarines to surface vessels. Given the exacerbated security policy situation, it is incredibly important that Norway has maritime capacities that can contribute to safeguarding Norway and NATO’s interests in the North.”[…]

”Patroling with Norwegian coast guard and navy vessels in the Barents Sea is completely natural and necessary. If we had to leave this form of patroling mostly to others, it could create a poorer situational awareness and challenges that go against the low tension we desire in the High North.” Läs artikel