Closer US–Norwegian military cooperation to boost NATO readiness
Norway understands the need for NATO countries to contribute more to the Alliance and has committed to enhancing its own capabilities in close cooperation with the United States.
Recently, representatives from the Norwegian Armed Forces and U.S. European Command (EUCOM) met in Bodø to identify how U.S. support can help Norway meet NATO’s capability targets and further strengthen national defence.
"From the Norwegian side, we are highly focused on increasing our military capability, both in line with the Long‑Term Defence Plan, and to meet NATO’s capability requirements", says Lieutenant Colonel Gard Ommedal of the Norwegian Defence Staff.
The cooperation with the United States is extremely valuable. The areas of potential collaboration discussed at this conference clearly demonstrate the close and trusted relationship between Norwegian and American military counterparts.
NATO capability targets
NATO capability targets include requirements related to force structure, equipment, readiness, and interoperability — ensuring that each member nation contributes to a modern, capable, and cohesive alliance.
The Bodø meeting was part of the annual Military‑to‑Military cooperation between Norway and the United States. The U.S. invitation described the purpose as identifying, prioritizing, and resourcing M2M engagements for Fiscal Years 2027–2028, supporting NATO interoperability and collective defence modernization.
Lieutenant Colonel Mary E. LeValley of the U.S. Embassy in Oslo highlights the importance of the event:
"This meeting occurs annually and is an important part of the missions of the Defence Security Cooperation Agency and U.S. European Command."
Successful
U.S. and Norway military cooperation has been close for decades and continues to strengthen. Even as we focus on burden shifting, we remain deliberate in sharpening our planning processes together toward achieving NATO capability targets.
"Norway is a most capable ally in the North, and the U.S. and NATO must continue to develop critical military capabilities together. It makes the Alliance stronger and the member nations more secure."
LeValley describes this year’s meeting as particularly successful:
"By including more regional components, participants gained a more holistic view of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, resulting in diverse and measurable solutions. This model will be shared with other U.S. Military Groups in the region."