The Norwegian government announced on 27 March that it will add NOK 115 billion to the financial framework of its Long-Term Defence Plan, covering the period up to 2036. Of that, NOK 31 billion is earmarked before 2030. The defence budget has nearly tripled since 2021, from NOK 65 billion to NOK 180 billion this year, and the government is now targeting 3.5 percent of GDP by 2035.
The update is not a new plan. The original 2025 to 2036 plan was adopted unanimously by the Storting in 2024. What has changed is the threat picture and the price tag. Equipment costs have risen sharply, the war in Ukraine has reshaped military thinking, and the Middle East conflict has added further instability. The revised plan accelerates procurement of new submarines and Type 26 frigates in cooperation with the UK and Germany, and brings forward development of the Finnmark Brigade by two years. It also prioritises drone defence, electronic warfare, and combat-critical munitions, including AARGM-ER missiles for the F-35 fleet.
Not everything survived the reprioritisation. New helicopters for the army and special forces have been postponed, a planned fifth C-130J transport aircraft has been dropped, and the long-range surveillance drone programme has been cancelled entirely. Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik framed the trade-offs plainly: the cost of defence is high, but the cost of war is higher.
SOURCES: Norwegian Government (regjeringen.no), listed, 27 March 2026. https://www.regjeringen.no/en/whats-new/government-to-provide-additional-nok-115-billion-to-strengthen-long-term-defence-plan/id3155063/ FlightGlobal, 27 March 2026. https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/2026/03/norway-tweaks-long-term-defence-plan-but-new-asw-helicopters-remain-a-priority/ Breaking Defense, 27 March 2026. https://breakingdefense.com/2026/03/norway-floats-additional-11-8b-in-defense-spending-through-2035-cancels-drone-program/
