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American Investments in Infrastructure at Rygge Air Station are Important for Norway's Defense Capability

(Source: Norwegian Ministry of Defence; issued March 02, 2023)
(Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com)

Work on American infrastructure investments in Rygge will soon start. The projects are linked to the reception of American combat aircraft and will also be important for NATO. "The American investments in infrastructure at Rygge will have a positive impact on Norwegian, Nordic and allied security," says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp).

In June 2022, the Storting agreed to the conclusion of an additional agreement on defense cooperation between Norway and the USA. Among other things, the agreement facilitates US investment in infrastructure in reunified areas, and Rygge air station is one of the four reunified areas that were established when the agreement entered into force.

"Further development of defense cooperation with our closest ally is primarily about safeguarding Norwegian interests and Norwegian security, at the same time that cooperation with the USA contributes to strengthening NATO's ability to defend Norway and Europe," says the defense minister.

Following an inquiry from the United States, the government has approved American investments in infrastructure at Rygge. The USA has estimated its total investment costs to be around NOK two billion, and the USA will cover 100 per cent of the costs associated with the construction. After the construction is finished, the infrastructure will become Norwegian property with right of use for the American forces.

What will be built are: four fighter aircraft hangars with associated facilities, groundwork for relocations and other buildings, increased capacity for ammunition storage and warehouses as well as improved security by erecting a fence with a patrol road around parts of the air station. With the exception of the warehouses, which will only be for American use, Norwegian and other allied forces can also use the new infrastructure.

Some minor adjustments still remain before the projects will be ready for implementation, and construction will also depend on the allocation of funds during the five-year period from the US defense budget. However, the plan is for the projects to be completed by the end of 2027.

"Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is a threat to Norwegian and European security, and Russia's behavior has once again made acts of war and the brutal use of military power in Europe a reality. We must adapt to the fact that we are facing a more dangerous and unpredictable Russia. In order to meet the need for credible deterrence, preparations must already be made in peacetime, and the American investments in infrastructure at Rygge will have a positive impact on Norwegian, Nordic and allied security. Allied presence and Norway's ability to operate together with and receive allied reinforcement forces are becoming more important for our deterrence and defense capabilities," says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.

As the American projects develop, it may become relevant to increase training and practice from Rygge, even before the projects are completed. So far, no fixed practice cycle has been set for this type of activity. Future American military activity will only exceptionally have consequences for future civil air traffic on Rygge.

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