Norway will establish a new NATO training facility in Sorreisa to prepare forces for amphibious operations in Arctic conditions.
Norway’s Defense Ministry announced Friday the creation of a NATO amphibious warfare center in Sorreisa, northern Norway, to train US, British, and Dutch marines. Located several hundred kilometers from key Russian military bases near Murmansk, the center will enable NATO personnel to practice Arctic amphibious assaults, coordinating land, sea, and air forces.
The facility, projected to open in 2026, will accommodate hundreds of soldiers.
“Joint training is crucial for defending Norway, the Nordic region, and NATO during crises and war,” stated Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram, highlighting Norway’s heightened security concerns.
“Increased allied presence in Norway, along with more training, strengthens our security. Allies need familiarity with Norwegian conditions, and this is essential practice,” he added.
The minister emphasized the center’s proximity to existing military facilities, benefiting NATO operations.
This announcement follows Norway’s spring plan for a significant defense budget increase, allocating $54 billion to military spending from 2024 to 2036. This includes acquiring a long-range air defense system, expanding the army to three brigades, and increasing the Home Guard to 45,000 troops.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in September, indicated Russia would counter NATO expansion in the region, stating, “We observe NATO’s intensified Arctic exercises. Russia is fully prepared to defend its interests militarily and politically.”