Norway’s armed forces will conduct fewer exercises in 2023 than previously planned.

This is due to the reduced threat from Russia, as most of its non-nuclear forces are involved in a full-scale war in Ukraine.

Lieutenant Colonel Vegard Finberg, a representative of the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, announced this in his comment to VG.

Further support for Ukraine in opposing the Russian invasion was also emphasized.

In early November 2022, the Norwegian government decided to strengthen the combat readiness of its Armed Forces, and the Head of the Defense Ministry received the authority to prioritize this within the defense budget.

“The Armed Forces have undergone internal transformations to better prepare for the situation we face,” Lt. Col. Vegard Finberg mentioned in an email.

He specified that the main focus of the Norwegian Armed Forces in the near future will be joint operational exercises, exercises with NATO forces and partner countries, and testing the skills of military personnel.

“The military will focus on joint operational exercises, exercises with NATO and other partner countries, total defense exercises, and personnel certification exercises,” Finberg said.

He also stressed the further support of Ukraine in the war with the Russian invaders.

“It is important to emphasize that support of Ukraine is also the support of the readiness of our national forces. Russia attacked a peaceful neighboring country. Our active support for Ukraine strengthens confidence in our own capabilities and desire to defend ourselves,” the Spokesperson of the Norwegian Defense Ministry added.

The representative of the Ministry of Defense refused to provide details on what kind of military exercises could be reduced.

It was previously reported that Norway would double the number of its military instructors training the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The government decided that in 2023, the Ukrainian military will be trained by 150 instructors instead of 75.