Norway announces opening new Arctic warfare base
Date
12/4/2024 7:00:26 AM
(MENAFN) Norway has announced plans to create a new NATO Arctic and amphibious warfare center in the municipality of Sorreisa, located north of Lofoten, as tensions with Russia escalate. The facility, expected to be operational by 2026, will train US, British, and Dutch marines and will house several hundred soldiers. It is strategically located just a few hundred kilometers from Russia's key military port of Murmansk.
Norwegian Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram emphasized the importance of joint training to strengthen defenses for Norway, the Nordic countries, and NATO in times of crisis. He noted that increased allied presence and training are critical for Norwegian security, especially in adapting to the region’s harsh climate and conditions.
The new center will be closely linked with nearby military facilities, enhancing NATO’s presence and operational capabilities in the region. This move follows Norway’s announcement of a significant increase in defense spending, including the acquisition of a long-range air defense system and an expansion of its military forces. Russia has expressed concerns about NATO’s activities in the Arctic, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stating that Moscow is prepared to defend its interests in the region.
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