The government announced on Friday that Norway will increase its defence expenditures by 115 billion crowns (about 11.87 billion dollars) between now and 2036 to compensate for the rising costs of military equipment.

According to the government, the proposed increase will bring defence spending up to 3.5% by 2035.

NATO member, along with other nations of the alliance, is increasing its defence spending as a result?of Moscow's war against Ukraine and due to pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.

This spending is in addition to the previously announced plan by Norway to spend 1,62 trillion crowns between 2025-2036 on defence.

"We... are allocating significant resources to the long term plan while carefully weighing priorities to quickly strengthen Norway's defence capabilities," Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said at a press briefing.

Norway is expecting to receive its first German-ordered sub in 2029, while the two frigates purchased by Britain will arrive in 2030 and respectively 2032.

Tore Sandvik, Minister of Defence, said at a press conference that the procurement of anti-ballistic defences and maritime surveillance drones were among the elements being delayed.

The government stated that the support for Ukraine is in addition to the 3,5% of GDP expenditure.

(source: Reuters)