ANDFJORDEN outside Harstad (Dagbladet): Together with generals and admirals from several NATO nations, Knut Storberget and the members of Norway’s new Defense Commission observe the large military exercise «Cold Respons» from the navy’s pride – the frigate KNM «Roald Amundsen».
– Extraordinarily instructive and interesting, Storberget sums up the impressions from the military exercise.
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– When one of our neighboring countries invades a country, it is obvious that it is important for our work, says the State Administrator for the Interior and former Minister of Justice Knut Storberget, who has been appointed head of the new Defense Commission.
30 years perspective
Together with 16 other experts, politicians and the parties in working life, Knut Storberget will provide input on what best safeguards Norwegian security in the future. The Commission has a 20 to 30 year perspective, and will make a recommendation on what defense Norway needs.
Storberget emphasizes that he speaks on his own behalf.
SHOWED STRENGTH: At high speed, the battleships passed the frigates, and simulated attacks during the exercise Cold Response. Photo: Bjørn Langsem / Dagbladet
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– In a few weeks, the world has changed. In terms of security policy, the situation in Europe is completely different than it was just a few weeks ago. Russia’s invasion has consequences, also for us in Norway, says Knut Storberget to Dagbladet.
Cooperation
– We have to think new. How can we make the best use of our resources? Storberget asks
He also points to the fact that there has probably never before been greater support and agreement on NATO co-operation in Norway.
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Storberget is clear that the war in Ukraine shows how important NATO and Nordic defense co-operation are for Norway.
– The war and the invasion of Ukraine are frighteningly brutal. At the same time, we are seeing a more conventional war than I had thought. In the future, we must also be prepared for cyber-war and digital attacks. But Russia’s invasion means that we must also expect to defend ourselves against conventional weapons.
If Norway is to be able to defend our territory and our interests, cooperation with our allies is absolutely necessary, says Storberget.
Organization
He points to the fact that security in general and the military in particular cost. Which in turn makes it absolutely necessary to use the resources in the best possible way.
RESOURCES: Chief of the Navy, Rear Admiral Rune Andersen, and Knut Storberget, head of the Defense Commission, shared thoughts on future defense on board the frigate KNM “Roald Amundsen” during the exercise Cold Response.
Photo: Bjørn Langsem / Dagbladet
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– My impression, after a few weeks of work in the Defense Commission, and a number of conversations with experts and officers is that innovation and above all organization is important. It is not certain that the Norwegian defense should be organized in the same way in the future, as it is today with different branches of arms, says Knut Storberget.
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