Norwegian parliament unanimously approved plans to dramatically increase the defense budget over the next 12 years, the government announced, quoted by DPA, writes BTA.
The plan calls for an additional NOK 600 billion ($56.9 billion) over the next twelve years to strengthen the country's armed forces. The parties also agreed on an increase of 11 billion crowns, which will bring the total costs to 611 billion crowns.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gar Støre described the changes made by the parliament to the defense plan as "historic". "This is an important signal to our allies and other countries that Norway is united in strengthening its defence," Store said yesterday. He noted that for the first time all parties in the parliament have agreed on a plan to strengthen the defense forces.
The government initially proposed the acquisition of five new submarines in April, but parliament added one more submarine and a long-range air defense system.
Norway plans to spend around 3% of its gross domestic product on defense in 2036, which exceeds NATO's current target of at least 2% of GDP. The new defense plan is expected to be approved on June 11.
NATO member Norway borders Russia in the Arctic Circle, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine two years ago spooked the Scandinavian country.