ANDFJORDEN outside Harstad (Dagbladet): With the new Defense Commission in orchestra place, as well as several NATO generals – led by the commander of the Allied Joint Force, Command Brunssum, General Jörg Vollmer – the commander of the Norwegian Navy, Rear Admiral Rune Andersen, showed how the Norwegian Navy defends Norway.
On board the frigate KNM «Roald Amundsen», a few nautical miles north of Harstad – in the Andfjord – the commander of the Navy and his guests supervised the exercise Cold Response.
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Where frigates and MTBs, along with supply ships and smaller battleships, practiced military tactics. Two of NATO’s aircraft carriers – British HSE “Prince of Wales” and Italian “Giuseppe Garibaldi” – followed, several nautical miles further out in the Norwegian Sea,
Sleep well
The generals and admirals, like most people, are affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
But the commander of the navy does not sleep worse because of the war.
– The situation in northern Norway has not changed since Russia attacked Ukraine. The reality is that in the last five to seven years we have experienced increased military activity in the north, states Rune Andersen.
He makes no secret of the fact that the navy is now increasing activity, after President Vladimir Putin ordered his military forces to attack Ukraine.
Large investments
– It is right and important that we increase activity in the short term. At the same time, we must prepare for the long term. We need new equipment. Ships that have served for more than 15 years must be replaced in 10 years. They have then done their job. We face great challenges. Investments that are absolutely necessary for us to do our job for the country’s security, says the commander of the Norwegian Navy.
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Initially, the submarines will be replaced. Four new submarines at a total cost of NOK 45 billion will be handed over from the German shipyard to the navy in 2029.
Then both the Coast Guard and the Navy must get new ships. Both the MTBs and the frigates are due to be replaced. The same applies to large parts of the coastguard.
– Security costs, but it can be far more expensive, if we do not do it, Andersen says.
He will not state how large investments must be made in the navy and coast guard – apart from the fact that large investments are absolutely necessary and that it will cost several tens of billions of kroner.
– For Norway’s security, it is necessary that we further strengthen our presence in the northern areas, says the commander of the Norwegian Navy.
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Cooperation
– We are completely dependent on a close and seamless collaboration with our allies. In the navies, we have a very good collaboration with the USA, Great Britain and eventually also France.
The Chief of the Norwegian Navy believes that it is not realistic that Norway – in terms of security – can do without NATO cooperation.
– It is necessary and right that we strengthen the defense capability in the short term, after the invasion of Ukraine. But even more important is that we have to think long-term. It takes up to ten years, from the time we decide, until we can have a frigate delivered. At the same time, we must train crews so that the ships can sail as much as possible, says Rear Admiral Rune Andersen.
