Total Defence Year 2026
Prepared for crisis and war – together we defend Norway.
Europe is once again marked by war and growing uncertainty. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has changed the security policy landscape in our part of the world, and Norway is now facing the most serious security situation since the Second World War.
Although there is no immediate danger of war in Norway, the Government has decided that we must be better prepared for crises and, in the worst case: war.
Why a 'total defence year'?
For this reason, 2026 has been designated the Total Defence Year. This is about standing together in a more turbulent time. When the Norwegian Armed Forces, civilian authorities, the business sector, voluntary organisations and the population all pull in the same direction, Norway is better equipped to deal with both everyday crises and the most serious scenarios.
This is the total defence
- Total defence is the combined effort of the country’s civilian and military resources working together to prevent and manage crises, armed conflicts and war.
- Total defence is part of civil–military cooperation, but is limited to mutual support and cooperation between the Armed Forces and civilian society in connection with security policy crises and armed conflict.
The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) and the Norwegian Armed Forces will jointly plan and carry out a wide range of activities throughout the year, involving multiple sectors and agencies.
The objective is clear: Norway shall be better equipped to prevent and manage security policy crises and war.
All of Norway defends Norway
The Norwegian Armed Forces have the primary responsibility for protecting our country against threats and attacks. At the same time, Norway cannot be defended by military forces alone. A modern defence is entirely dependent on a well-functioning civilian society.
For the Norwegian Armed Forces and our allies to be able to carry out their tasks, it is essential that:
- ports, airports and roads are operational
- electricity, water, health and communication services are available
- municipalities and civilian actors are able to support military operations
- the population is prepared and resilient
A resilient society makes the Norwegian Armed Forces stronger – and Norway safer.
Why we exercise
Exercises are an important part of the Total Defence Year 2026. When the Armed Forces, civilian authorities and the population train together, we become better able to handle serious incidents. Exercising makes us safer, better coordinated and better prepared – and also serves as a deterrent to those who might consider threatening Norway.
During the Total Defence Year, several major exercises will be conducted, including:
- Cold Response 2026 (March)
- Nordic cooperation exercise (March)
- Norway exercises the municipalities (second half of the year)
- Total Defence Exercise TDX 26 (October)
- Valiant Duel (October)
- Norway exercises the population during National Self-Preparedness Week (October)
For many people, this will be visible in everyday life through increased military activity and local exercises. This is an important investment in our shared security.
Norway in NATO – stronger together
Norway is a member of NATO, the world’s strongest military alliance. This raises the threshold for threatening or attacking Norway. The Armed Forces regularly train together with our allies, particularly in the Nordic region, and allied presence in Norway contributes to a credible defence.
At the same time, membership places demands on us. Norway must be able to receive and support allied forces. The Total Defence Year 2026 will strengthen this capability – both militarily and civically.
What does this mean for you?
Total defence also concerns you as a resident. In a serious crisis or war, the Armed Forces will carry out their tasks, while municipalities are responsible for ensuring that local communities function as well as possible. At the same time, the authorities expect everyone who is able to be prepared to manage on their own for a period of time.
It is therefore recommended that:
- you have self-preparedness for at least one week
- you cooperate with family, neighbours and your local community
- you are mindful of information and practise source criticism
When more people are prepared, the emergency services and the Armed Forces can prioritise those most in need of assistance. Good self-preparedness strengthens both your personal safety and Norway’s overall preparedness.
All of Norway defends Norway.