On Friday, the Norwegian government presented its proposal to the Storting on how the national defense sector should be organized, developed, and funded over the next 12 years.
Among the proposed actions to strengthen the military are new research and development operations (FoU) in Nord-Norge. This will be organized by Forsvarets forskningsinstitutt (FFI), which has recommended Tromsø as a regional center.
“Such an investment in Nord will increase the ability to defend, ensure security, and prepare for emergencies in the region,” said Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Center). “Nord-Norge is Forsvarets most important operational area – and a critical starting point for alliance activity.”
The initiative is described as technology- and knowledge-intensive. It aims to contribute to regional resilience and drive knowledge-based innovation through civil-military and interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, it aims to create positive impacts on competency and economic development in Nord-Norge.
