The Norwegian government wants to support the industry during this difficult period and will accelerate defense investments for more than NOK 1 billion.
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CV90 during the Thunder Reindeer 2019 sniper shooting exercise in Troms (Picture source: Norwegian MoD / Ole-Sverre Haugli)
“By accelerating the upgrade of coastal corvettes to the Navy and tanks to the Army, we can both build defense capabilities and support the Norwegian industry”, says Defense Minister Frank Bakke-Jensen. "These are measures that help companies get back on track and get people back to work while also getting a faster strengthening of the Defense," the Minister of Defense said.
In addition, there are proposals in the government's proposal for a new long-term plan for the defense sector to investigate new vessel structures for the naval defense. This also provides increased opportunities for the Norwegian maritime knowledge cluster.
NOK 600 million to upgrade CV90 combat vehicles
The Norwegian government will accelerate and spend almost NOK 600 million on the upgrading of the Army's CV90 tanks and infantry support vehicles. In the new long-term plan for the defense sector, the Army will operate four mechanized battalions, all set up with CV90 combat and support vehicles. A delay in the work on upgrading these units means that, in the first instance, the Army will be supplied with another 20 CV90 combat and support vehicles. The acquisition will be carried out directly from the Norwegian industry in the period 2020 to 2023.
Research and development
The government will increase the allocation for defense-related research and development work by NOK 20 million in 2020. This means an increase from NOK 71 to 91 million. This will help to secure employment and expertise within a demanding area of the Norwegian industry and business. It will also position the Norwegian industry and business towards future acquisitions, both nationally and internationally. In addition, the strengthening will enable faster development of future planned projects.
