Norway's Parliament Approves Major Defense Budget Increase

All nine parties in the Norwegian Storting reached a consensus on a revised long‑term defence plan. The agreement adds 6.15 billion kroner to the 2036 budget, raising the total defence framework to 1.854 trillion kroner. Funding will accelerate procurement of new submarines and frigates, speed up the establishment of the Finnmark brigade, and boost capabilities in drones, electronic warfare and long‑range air defence, with drone spending alone rising by nearly 3 billion kroner.

Political leaders highlighted the unity as a clear signal to NATO allies and a deterrent to Russia, noting that the upgrade reflects lessons from the Ukraine war and rapid technological change. The plan also restores cuts to Home Guard training and equipment, allocating additional resources for helicopters and other operational assets.