📋 Tender Overview
Norway will participate in the major Australian-American exercise Talisman Saber next year. There will be significant Norwegian participation and a big boost for the Norwegian Armed Forces, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp).
Gram announced his participation when he met Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles in Canberra. The British-led aircraft carrier group in which Norway participates with a frigate is part of the exercise, but Norway plans to send additional forces to Australia. It is relevant to participate with both air forces and special forces.
The exercise is a unique opportunity for Norwegian forces to practice operating in a large coalition. This is a good opportunity to operate new advanced capacities together with close allies and partners who have the same material. The experience we gain also strengthens Norwegian security, says Gram.
Gram emphasizes that the exercise should not go beyond presence in one's own immediate areas. The armed forces will also, in consultation with allies, ensure presence and situational awareness in our immediate areas while the exercise is in progress.
Developments in the Indo-Pacific region also affect our security. It is therefore important that we increase our knowledge and understanding of the situation, says the Minister of Defence.
Norway strengthens cooperation with Australia
During the meeting, Gram and Marles agreed to draw up a new security agreement between Norway and Australia. Norway will strengthen its presence and establish a new defense envoy at the Norwegian embassy in Canberra. Norway is also in the process of hiring a defense industry council to support Norwegian industry's investment in Australia.
This is the first time a Norwegian defense minister has visited Australia.
It's high time. Closer ties with like-minded countries make us stronger and safer. The sanctions against Russia and the Russian economy would have had far less significance if Japan, Australia and South Korea had not helped to enforce them. Their industrial capacity is crucial when we are to reduce risk and make ourselves less dependent on authoritarian countries, says Gram.
