Senior U.S. General Praises Norway’s Defence Buildup
Alexus G. Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), is visiting Norway this week. Eirik Kristoffersen is hosting a three-day program highlighting Norway’s strategic role within the Alliance.
“Norway holds a unique geostrategic position and plays a central role as NATO’s eyes and ears in the Arctic. We could not do our job without Norwegian support,” said General Grynkewich.
Norway’s role in the High North is a key focus of the visit. The NATO commander emphasises that Norway provides capabilities that are critical to the Alliance’s situational awareness.
During his visit, General Grynkewich is gaining valuable insight into daily operational activities and the ongoing buildup of the Norwegian Armed Forces through meetings with the Chief of Defence, the Minister of Defence, the Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.
Lessons from Ukraine
Both generals agree that NATO must learn from the present while preparing for future conflicts. Experiences from Ukraine demonstrate how rapidly warfare is evolving, and how decisive technology, speed, and the ability to learn and adapt have become.
“Military leaders are often accused of preparing for the last war. We must look ahead and prepare for the next,” Grynkewich said.
Allied cooperation is essential to this effort. The need for closer coordination, including in air defence, has been a central topic during the visit.
Calling for Greater European Responsibility
While praising Norway, General Grynkewich also underscores the importance of burden-sharing in the years ahead. Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security—an assessment shared by Chief of Defence Eirik Kristoffersen:
“We must strengthen our own ability to defend Europe. This is about forces, endurance, and the production of military materiel,” said General Kristoffersen.
Norway’s investments in defence and defence industry are highlighted as an example for other Allies to follow.
“I would like to see all NATO nations take on this level of responsibility. I am proud of our close cooperation,” Grynkewich added.
The visit to Norway has provided SACEUR with deeper insight into the development of the Norwegian Armed Forces, Norway’s total defence concept, and NATO’s presence in the country. The latter was a key focus as the visit continued to Bodø, where NATO leadership received first-hand insight into how Norway and Allied forces operate together in the High North.
This included a visit to the Combined Air Operations Centre Bodø (CAOC), which plays a central role in planning and conducting NATO air operations.
