Photo: A Norwegian frigate is set to participate in the large Australian-American exercise Talisman Sabre next year. (Photo: Johan Ludvig Holst / Norwegian Armed Forces)
Norway will participate in the large Australian-American exercise Talisman Sabre next year. “It will be a significant Norwegian contribution and a major effort for the Armed Forces,” said Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Centre Party).
Gram announced Norway’s participation during his meeting with Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles in Canberra. The UK-led carrier group, in which Norway is participating with a frigate, will be part of the exercise, but Norway plans to send additional forces to Australia. It is under consideration to join with both air forces and special forces.
“The exercise is a unique opportunity for Norwegian forces to train in operating within a large coalition. It is a great chance to operate new advanced capabilities alongside close allies and partners who use the same equipment. The experience we gain will also strengthen Norwegian security,” said Gram.
Gram emphasised that the exercise will not impact Norway’s presence in its own nearby areas. The Armed Forces, in consultation with allies, will also ensure presence and situational awareness in our local regions while the exercise is ongoing.
“Developments in the Indo-Pacific region also affect our security. Therefore, it is important that we increase our knowledge and understanding of the situation,” the defence minister added.
Norway Strengthens Cooperation with Australia
During the meeting, Gram and Marles agreed to draft a new security agreement between Norway and Australia. Norway will strengthen its presence by establishing a new defence attaché at the Norwegian Embassy in Canberra. Norway is also in the process of hiring a defence industry advisor to support Norwegian industry initiatives in Australia.
This is the first time a Norwegian Defence Minister has visited Australia.
“It’s long overdue. Closer ties with like-minded countries make us stronger and safer. The sanctions against Russia and the Russian economy would have had far less impact if Japan, Australia, and South Korea had not enforced them. Their industrial capacity is crucial as we work to reduce risks and become less dependent on authoritarian countries,” said Gram.