Foreign Media: Norway Expands Arctic Patrols, Strengthens Monitoring at Russian Border

[Global Times Comprehensive Report] According to a report by Reuters on the 21st, Norway announced on the 20th the expansion of a newly established Arctic brigade—the Finnmark Brigade. The Finnmark Brigade, which will be established in August 2025, is the first new army brigade-level combat unit in Norway since 1982 and is the country's second army brigade. The report states that this is the latest measure taken by NATO member countries to strengthen defense capabilities and expand military deployments in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Previously, the Finnmark Brigade was primarily responsible for monitoring and patrolling the 198-kilometer border between Norway and Russia. After the expansion, the brigade will add an artillery battalion, an air defense company, and a communications company, enhancing its long-range firepower and joint operational capabilities, enabling it to strike land targets approximately 40 kilometers away, and coordinating fire strikes from Norwegian and NATO aircraft and vessels.

Currently, the headquarters of the Finnmark Brigade is located in Porsanger, about 180 kilometers in a straight line from the Norway-Russia border. On the Russian side is an important military deployment area, where the Russian Northern Fleet is also stationed.

In recent years, Norway has significantly increased its military spending. NATO data shows that Norway's military expenditure is expected to account for 3.17% of its GDP this year, far higher than 1.5% in 2014, making it one of the NATO members with the highest military spending ratios.

Reuters states that Norway's increase in military spending is related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and is also influenced by former U.S. President Trump's demand for European allies to take on more defense responsibilities. The Russian Embassy in Norway did not respond to Reuters' request for comment. The Russian side has previously denied claims that Russia poses a threat to NATO.

The formation of the Finnmark Brigade is an important part of Norway's arms upgrade plan from 2024 to 2036. The plan specifies an increase of 600 billion Norwegian kroner (1,000 Norwegian kroner is approximately 723 Chinese yuan) in defense investment over the next 12 years, focusing on enhancing military capabilities and deterrent effectiveness. According to the plan, Norway will also establish a "Southern Brigade" stationed in the south by the end of 2026. In March of this year, the Norwegian government announced an additional investment of 115 billion Norwegian kroner on top of the existing long-term defense plan, further accelerating the construction of the Finnmark Brigade.

The Norwegian newspaper Barents Observer reported that the Norwegian government expects to achieve full deployment of the Finnmark Brigade by 2033, two years ahead of the original plan. The Norwegian government anticipates that the security situation in the Arctic region and along the Norway-Russia border will further deteriorate in the coming years. (Yue Chao)