View source for Norwegian Armed Forces

{{Short description|Armed forces of Norway}}
{{More citations needed|date=February 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox national military
| country = Norway
| name = Norwegian Armed Forces
| native_name = {{lang|no|Forsvaret}}
| image = [[File:Coat of arms of the Norwegian Armed Forces.svg|165px]]
| caption = Coat of arms
| image2 = 
| caption2 = 
| founded = 1628
| current_form = 1990
| disbanded = 
| branches = {{tree list}}
* {{army|Norway}}
* {{navy|Norway}}
**[[File:Coat of arms of the Royal Norwegian Navy Coast Guard.svg|18px]] [[Norwegian Coast Guard]]
* {{air force|Norway}}
*[[File:Heimevernets logo.svg|23px]] [[Home Guard (Norway)|Home Guard]]
*[[File:Coat of arms of the Norwegian Armed Forces Cyber Defence.svg|20px]] [[Norwegian Cyber Defence Force|Cyber Defence Force]]
{{tree list/end}}
| headquarters = [[Norwegian Joint Headquarters]]
| motto = "For alt vi har. Og alt vi er."<br>(''For everything we have.<br>And everything we are.'')
| flying_hours = <!-- Leadership -->
| commander-in-chief = {{Flagicon image|Kongeflagget.svg|size=25px}}  [[Harald V of Norway|Harald V]]
| commander-in-chief_title = [[Monarchy of Norway|King]]
| chief minister = {{flagicon|Norway|25px}} [[Jonas Gahr Støre]]
| chief minister_title = [[Prime Minister of Norway|Prime Minister]]
| minister = {{flagicon image|Flag of the Norwegian Minister of Defence.svg|size=25px}} [[Tore O. Sandvik]]
| minister_title = {{nobreak|[[Ministry of Defence (Norway)|Minister of Defence]]}}
| commander = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Norwegian Chief of Defence.svg|size=25px}} General [[Eirik Kristoffersen]]
| commander_title = [[Chief of Defence of Norway|Chief of Defence]]
<!-- Manpower -->| age = Male: 17-44 (55 for officers) years of age for compulsory military service.
<br />Female: 17 years of age for military service. Compulsory for females born in 2000 or later.
| conscription = 19-month service obligation.
| manpower_age = 18-55
| reaching = 31,980
| reaching_f = 30,543
| active = 33,440 (2024){{sfn|IISS|2020|p=132}}
| ranked = 
| reserve = 40,500 in the [[Norwegian Home Guard]] (2019){{sfn|IISS|2020|p=132}}
20,100 in the army reserve
| deployed = 384 (2019){{sfn|IISS|2020|p=133}}
<!-- Financial -->| amount = 104 billion. NOK<br> ~ 9,4 billion US-Dollar <small>(2024)</small><ref name="Budget2024">{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/norway-defense-spendings-1e48403cd8b56589190eaba0626c49d8 |title=Norway to add millions more to historic increase in defense spending announced last month |publisher=apnews.com|date=2024-05-02|accessdate=2024-06-01|language=en}}</ref>
| percent_GDP = 2 % (2024) 2,7 % (2030)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2024/3/pdf/240314-def-exp-2023-en.pdf#page=8 |title=Defence Expenditure of NATO Countries (2014-2023) |publisher=NATO|date=2024-03-14|accessdate=2024-06-01|language=en}}</ref>
<!-- Industrial -->| domestic_suppliers = 
| foreign_suppliers = 
| imports = 
| exports = <!-- Related articles -->
| history = [[Military history of Norway]]
| ranks = [[Military ranks and insignia of Norway|Ranks and insignia]]
| website = {{url|https://forsvaret.no/en|Official website}}
}}

The '''Norwegian Armed Forces''' ({{langx|no|Forsvaret||The Defence}}) are the [[armed forces]] responsible for the defence of [[Norway]]. It consists of five branches, the [[Norwegian Army]], the [[Royal Norwegian Navy]], which includes the [[Norwegian Coast Guard|Coast Guard]], the [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]], the [[Home Guard (Norway)|Home Guard]], and [[Norwegian Cyber Defence Force]] as well as several joint departments.

The military force in peacetime is around 17,185 personnel including military and civilian staff, and around 70,000<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.forsvaret.no/om-forsvaret/forsvaret-i-tall | title=Forsvaret i tall }}</ref> in total with the current military personnel, conscripts and the [[Norwegian Home Guard]] in full mobilization.{{sfn|IISS|2020|p=132}}

Among European NATO members, the military expenditure of US$7.2 billion is the highest per capita.

==History==
An organised military was first assembled in Norway in the 9th century and its early focus was naval warfare. The army was created in 1628 as part of [[Denmark–Norway]], followed by two centuries of regular wars. A Norwegian military was established [[Norway in 1814|in 1814]], but the military did not see combat until the [[German occupation of Norway]] in 1940. Norway abandoned its position as a [[neutrality (international relations)|neutral country]] in 1949 to become a founding member of the [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization]] (NATO). The [[Cold War]] saw a large build-up of air stations and military bases, especially in [[Northern Norway]]. Since the 2000s, the military has transformed from a focus on defence from an invasion to a mobile force for international missions.

Norway had its combat units withdraw from the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]] in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nrk.no/urix/_-vi-blir-fortsatt-i-afghanistan-1.15556290 |title=Vi blir fortsatt i Afghanistan |trans-title=We are still in Afghanistan |first=Eirik |last=Veum |date=29 June 2021 |website=[[NRK]] |language=no |access-date=29 June 2021}}</ref> During the war, Norwegian combat forces had been on loan to [[ISAF]], and later on loan to [[Resolute Support Mission]].

==Organisation==
The formal [[commander-in-chief]] is [[Monarchy of Norway|King]] [[Harald V of Norway|Harald V]]; however, the ''[[de facto]]'' supreme decision-making is made by the [[Council of State (Norway)|Cabinet]], led by the [[Prime Minister of Norway|Prime Minister]]. The [[Chief of Defence of Norway|Chief of Defence]] (a four-star general or admiral) is the professional head and leader of the armed forces, and is the principal military adviser to the [[Minister of Defence (Norway)|Minister of Defence]]. The Chief of Defence and his staff is located at [[Akershus Fortress]] in [[Oslo]], while the [[Norwegian Joint Headquarters]], responsible for commanding operations, is located in [[Bodø (town)|Bodø]]. The main naval base is [[Haakonsvern]] in [[Bergen Municipality]], the main army camps are located at [[Setermoen]] in [[Bardu Municipality]], [[Bardufoss]] in [[Målselv Municipality]], and [[Rena, Norway|Rena]] in [[Åmot Municipality]]. The main air station is [[Ørland Main Air Station]] in [[Ørland Municipality]].

Military branches (in order of seniority):
*[[Norwegian Army]]
*[[Royal Norwegian Navy]]
*[[Royal Norwegian Air Force]]
*[[Home Guard (Norway)|Home Guard]]
*[[Norwegian Cyber Defence Force]]
*[[Forsvarets spesialstyrker|Norwegian Special Operation Forces (NORSOF)]]<ref name="nps">{{cite thesis |last1=Olsen |first1=Tommy |last2=Thormodsen |first2=Marius |title=Forging Norwegian Special Operation Forces |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA607622 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419050621/https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA607622 |url-status=live |archive-date=19 April 2021 |access-date=16 September 2017 |degree=Master's |publisher=U.S. Navy Postgraduate School |date=June 2014 |oclc=893922200}}</ref>

Other main structures include:

* Defence Staff Norway (DEFSTNOR) in [[Oslo]] acts as the staff of the Chief of Defence. It is headed by a three-star general or admiral. DEFSTNOR assigns priorities, manages resources, provides force generation and support activities. Each of the four branches of defence is headed by a two-star general/admiral who are subordinate to DEFSTNOR.
* [[Norwegian Joint Headquarters]] (NJHQ) located at Reitan, close to [[Bodø (town)|Bodø]] has operational control of Norwegian armed forces worldwide 24/7. It is headed by the Supreme Commander Norwegian Forces – a three-star general or admiral.
* [[Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation]] (NDLO) at [[Kolsås]] in [[Bærum Municipality]] (just outside [[Oslo]]) is responsible for engineering, procurement, investment, supply, information and communications technology. It is also responsible for the maintenance, repair and storage of materials.

==Conscription==
{{conscription}}
[[File:Brigadens soldater samvirker med helikopter fra Luftforsvaret.jpg|thumb|Brigade soldiers at an exercise]]
Conscription was constitutionally established on 12 April 1907 with ''Kongeriket Norges Grunnlov § 119''.<ref>[https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/1814-05-17/KAPITTEL_6#KAPITTEL_6 Norwegian constitution (Norwegian)]</ref> 
Norway employs a weak form of [[mandatory military service]] for men and women. While 62,873 men and women were called in for the examination of persons liable for military service in 2010 (mandatory for men), 9,631 were conscripted.<ref name="Norwegian Armed Forces – Conscription Statistics">{{cite web |url=http://forsvaret.no/om-forsvaret/fakta-om-forsvaret/Sider/tall-og-statistikk.aspx |title=Tall og statistikk |trans-title=Figures and statistics |language=no |date=2011-01-11 |website=NDF |access-date=2021-12-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110112152739/http://forsvaret.no/om-forsvaret/fakta-om-forsvaret/Sider/tall-og-statistikk.aspx |archive-date=2011-01-12}}</ref> In practice recruits are not forced to serve, instead only those who are motivated are selected.<ref>{{cite web |title=Norway's military conscription becomes gender neutral |url=http://www.dw.com/en/norways-military-conscription-becomes-gender-neutral/a-17995882 |access-date=2015-11-24 |website=[[Deutsche Welle]]}}</ref> In earlier times, up until at least the early 2000s, all men aged 19–44 were subject to mandatory service, with good reasons required to avoid becoming drafted.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}

Since 1985, women have been able to enlist for voluntary service as regular recruits.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nato.int/ims/2001/win/norway.htm |title=Committee on Women in the NATO Forces: Norway |date=26 March 2002 |website=NATO [[International Military Staff]]}}</ref> On 14 June 2013, the [[Parliament of Norway|Norwegian Parliament]] voted to extend conscription to women.<ref name="NorwayConscription">{{cite news |title=Norway becomes first NATO country to draft women into military |date=14 June 2013 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-norway-women-conscription-idUSBRE95D0NB20130614|access-date=2013-06-15 |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> In 2015 conscription was extended to women making Norway the first [[NATO]] member and first European country to make national service compulsory for both men and women.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://forsvaret.no/en/newsroom/news-stories/female-conscription |title=Universal Conscription |website=Norwegian Armed Forces |date=11 June 2015 |access-date=25 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305005856/https://forsvaret.no/en/newsroom/news-stories/female-conscription |archive-date=5 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2020, women made up one-third of new conscripts.<ref>[https://www.securitywomen.org/post/a-look-at-norways-approach-to-gender-neutral-conscription A Look at Norway’s Approach to Gender-Neutral Conscription]</ref>

There is a right of [[conscientious objection]].{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}

Students of professional subjects (doctors, psychologists, pharmacists, dentists, etc.) may serve their conscription after completing a six weeks course, receiving [[lieutenant]] ranking when they begin their service. This arrangement is called Conscript Academic Officer ([[Norwegian language|Norwegian:]] Vernepliktige akademikere (VA)).<ref>{{cite web |title=Fra akademiker til offiser på 6 uker |url=https://www.forsvaret.no/aktuelt-og-presse/aktuelt/va |publisher=Norwegian Armed Forces |access-date=30 April 2022}}</ref>

In 2020, the media said that "several soldiers said that they were informed about additional four months of service; the information was given after military service had started".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.aftenposten.no/norge/i/6zzp0O/trodde-de-skulle-paa-12-maaneders-militaertjeneste-fikk-beskjed-om-at-de |title=Trodde de skulle på 12 måneders militærtjeneste. Fikk beskjed om at de skulle være ute i 16. |trans-title=Thought they were going on 12 months of military service. Was told they were going to be out in 16. |first=Sveinung Berg |last=Bentzrød |date=15 November 2020 |newspaper=[[Aftenposten]] |language=no |quote=Flere soldater sier de fikk vite om fire ekstra måneder etter at tjenesten var i gang. [Several soldiers say they were told about four extra months after the service started.]}}</ref>{{Context inline|date=December 2021}}

==Structure==
===Joint===
* [[Norwegian Joint Headquarters]] in [[Bodø (town)|Bodø]]
* [[Norwegian Intelligence Service]]
* Tactical Mobile Land/Maritime Command
* Joint [[ISTAR]] Unit (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance)
** Module based ISTAR Unit
** [[Norwegian Coastal Ranger Command]] (''Kystjegerkommandoen'' in Norwegian)
** [[Unmanned aerial vehicle]] capability
* Airborne Ground Surveillance (joint [[NATO]] project)
* [[Heimevernet|Norwegian Home Guard]] – 12 districts with 40,500 personnel, rapid reaction forces, follow-on-forces, reinforcement forces and reserves.
* Capacity for information operations
* [[Norwegian Defence Security Department (NORDSD)]]
* Flexible medical units
* [[Weapons of mass destruction|NRBC]] protection (Nuclear, radiological, biological, chemical weapons)
* [[Bomb disposal|Explosive Ordnance Disposal]]
* Joint [[Command and control warfare|C2I]] Unit (command, control and information)
* Civil Military Coordination Unit ([[Civil-Military Co-operation|CIMIC]])
* Deployable logistical support
* [[File:Norwegian ISAF soldiers.jpg|thumb|Norwegian [[International Security Assistance Force|ISAF]] soldiers in [[Islamic Republic of Afghanistan|Afghanistan]] in 2009]]2 mobilisation host country battalions (logistics for allied reinforcements)

[[File:140314-F-ZZ999-005 (13218009163).jpg|thumb|250px|Norwegian Leopard 2 on 14 March 2014]]

===Norwegian Army===
From 1 August 2023 the Norwegian Army has this structure:

* [[Brigade Nord]] (operational units)
** [[Armoured Battalion (Norway)|Armoured Battalion]] ({{langx|no|Panserbataljonen, 1.Bn}}), in [[Setermoen]]<ref name="Norwegian Army">{{cite web |title=Organisation: The Norwegian Army |date=16 September 2020 |url=https://forsvaret.no/en/organisation/army |website=Forsvaret |accessdate=20 June 2021}}</ref> with [[Leopard 2|Leopard 2A4NO]] [[main battle tank]]s and [[CV90]] [[infantry fighting vehicle]]s
** [[2nd Battalion (Norway)|2nd Battalion]] ({{langx|no|2. bataljon}}), mechanized infantry in [[Skjold (garrison)|Skjold]]<ref name="Norwegian Army"/> with [[Bandvagn 206]] vehicles
** [[Telemark Battalion]] ({{langx|no|Telemark bataljon}}), in [[Rena, Norway|Rena]]<ref name="Norwegian Army"/> with Leopard 2A4NO main battle tanks and CV90 infantry fighting vehicles[[File:A Norwegian military police officer stands guard during a live-fire capabilities demonstration as part of exercise Cold Response 14 in Norway March 11, 2014 140311-M-PK171-614.jpg|thumb|A Norwegian military police officer during a [[NATO]] exercise in 2014]]
** [[Artillery Battalion (Norway)|Artillery Battalion]] ({{langx|no|Artilleribataljonen}}), in Setermoen<ref name="Norwegian Army"/> with [[K9 Thunder]] [[Self-propelled artillery|self-propelled howitzers]] 
** [[Combat engineering|Combat Engineer]] Battalion ({{langx|no|Ingeniørbataljonen}}), in Skjold<ref name="Norwegian Army" />
** [[Signals (military)|Signals]] Battalion ({{langx|no|Sambandsbataljonen}}), in Bardufoss<ref name="Norwegian Army" />
** [[Battlefield medicine|Medical]] Battalion ({{langx|no|Sanitetsbataljonen}}), in Setermoen<ref name="Norwegian Army" />
** [[Combat service support|Combat Service Support]] Battalion ({{langx|no|Stridstrenbataljonen}}), in Bardufoss<ref name="Norwegian Army" />
** [[Military Police]] Company ({{langx|no|Militærpolitikompaniet}}), in Bardufoss<ref name="Norwegian Army" />
* Finnmark Territorial Defence ({{langx|no|Finnmark Landforsvar}})
** [[Garnisonen i Sør-Varanger|Garrison of Sør-Varanger]]
** [[Porsanger Battalion]] ({{langx|no|Porsanger bataljon}})
**(Finnmark 17th Home Guard District ({{langx|no|Finnmark HV-district 17 (HV-17)}}) permanently attached to the army-lead FTD)
* Army Land Warfare Centre
* [[Hans Majestet Kongens Garde|His Majesty the King's Guard]]
* Logistics and Operational Support
* Operation Support Detachment

===Royal Norwegian Navy===
[[File:Skjold-class patrol boat KNM Storm.png|thumb|A Norwegian ''Skjold''-class fast missile boat]]
* 4 {{sclass|Fridtjof Nansen|frigate|0}} [[Aegis combat system|Aegis]] frigates
* 6 {{sclass|Skjold|corvette|0}} fast missile boats.
* 6 {{sclass|Ula|submarine|0}} submarines
* Mine Warfare Capability
** 6 (8) {{sclass|Oksøy|mine hunter|1}}s and {{sclass|Alta|minesweeper|1}}s
* [[Norwegian Coastal Ranger Command]]
** Tactical Boat Squadron ({{sclass2|CB90|fast assault craft|1}})
* [[Minedykkerkommandoen|Norwegian Naval EOD Command]] (divers)
* Fleet Logistics Command
** Supply ship [[HNoMS Maud|''Maud'']] 
** Royal yacht [[HNoMY Norge|''Norge'']]  
** [[Reine-class patrol vessel|''Magnus Lagabøte'']] 
** [[Reine-class patrol vessel|''Olav Trygvasson'']] 
* [[Norwegian Coast Guard|Coast Guard]]
** 1 [[NoCGV Svalbard|''Svalbard'']]-class vessel
** 3 [[NoCGV Barentshav|''Barentshav'']] class vessels
** 3 {{sclass|Nordkapp|offshore patrol vessel}}
** Leased vessels ({{ship|NoCGV|Tromsø}} and KV ''Ålesund'', {{ship|KV|Harstad}}, 6 ocean patrol vessels)
** Inner coast guard (25 leased vessels)
** Tug capacity

===Royal Norwegian Air Force===
* 49 [[Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II]] (52 ordered) 
* 74 [[General dynamics F16A/B and AM/AB]] 30 jets still active soon to be retired
* 2 Air Control Centre/Recognized Air picture Production Centre/Sensor Fusion post (''ARS Sørreisa'' and ''ARS Mågerø'')
* Strategic Airlift / Aerial refueling (common NATO projects)
* Maritime surveillance 5 P-8 Poseidon. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/norge-har-inngatt-kontrakt-om-kjop-av-fem-nye-p-8a-poseidon-maritime-patruljefly/id2546045/ |title=Norge har inngått kontrakt om kjøp av fem nye P-8A Poseidon maritime patruljefly |trans-title=Norway has entered into a contract for the purchase of five new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft |language=no |date=29 March 2017 |website=[[Regjeringen.no]]}}</ref>)
* Transport 5x [[C-130J Super Hercules]]
* Air Defence ([[NASAMS]] 3)
* Air Wing for Special Forces (6 x [[Bell 412]])
* 18+ [[Bell 412]] transport helicopters
* Deployable base support
* 16 [[AW101]] search and rescue helicopter (replaced 12 Sea King helicopters<ref name="NorwayFirstFG">{{cite web |last1=Perry |first1=Dominic |title=Norway takes first SAR-roled AW101 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/norway-takes-first-sar-roled-aw101-443463/ |date=20 November 2017 |website=Flight Global |access-date=20 November 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171120200820/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/norway-takes-first-sar-roled-aw101-443463/ |archive-date=20 November 2017}}</ref><ref name="NowayFirstJanes">{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/75810 |title=Norway receives first AW101 SAR helicopter |last1=Jennings |first1=Gareth |date=19 November 2017 |website=IHS Jane's 360 |access-date=20 November 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171120200853/http://www.janes.com/article/75810/norway-receives-first-aw101-sar-helicopter |archive-date=20 November 2017}}</ref>)

===Norwegian Home Guard===
* [[Home Guard (Norway)|Home Guard]]

===Norwegian Cyber Defence Force===
* [[Norwegian Cyber Force|Norwegian Cyber Defence Force]]

===Norwegian Special Forces===
The '''[[Forsvarets spesialstyrker|Norwegian ''Special Operations Command'' (NORSOCOM)]]''' (''Forsvarets Spesialstyrker'' (''FS''), was formed on 1 January 2014 by bringing the Special Operations Command (''FSK''), The army's special warfare unit, and the Naval Special Operations Command (''MJK''), The navy's special warfare unit, together under a unified command.

'''NORSOCOM''' (''Forsvarets Spesialstyrker'' (''FS'')), [[Akershus Fortress]], [[Oslo]]

* Chief of NORSOCOM, a two-star officer, member of the Commander of the Armed Forces's management group 
* Taktisk Kommando (TAKOM) - special forces-specific command element embedded with the Norwegian Joint Headquarters (''FOH'')) outside [[Bodø (town)|Bodø]].
* [[Forsvarets Spesialkommando|'''Special Operations Command''']] ({{langx|no|Forsvarets Spesialkommando}}) (''FSK''),<ref name="nps" /> at [[Rena, Norway|Rena Army Camp]], part of [[Østerdalen|Østerdal]] Garrison  
** FSK Staff  
** unknown number of combat squadrons<ref>{{cite web |url=http://snl.no/Forsvarets_spesialkommando |title=Forsvarets spesialkommando |trans-title=Armed Forces' Special Command |language=nb |last=Leraand|first=Dag |date=2019-12-18 |work=[[Store norske leksikon]] |access-date=2021-07-07}}</ref>
** Paratrooper Troop- platoon consisting of conscripts highly trained for raid and airborne [[ISTAR]] operations.
** [[Jegertroppen|Hunter Troop]] - special reconnaissance training unit made up of female conscripts<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.forsvaret.no/forstegangstjeneste/tjenesteguiden/sokbare-forstegangstjenester/jegertroppen |title=Jegertroppen |website=Forsvaret |language=nb |access-date=2021-07-07}}</ref>
** Initial and Operational Special Forces Training Base on the tiny islet of Vealøs facing the former [[Karljohansvern|Karljohansvern Naval Base]] in [[Horten Municipality]]
*[[Marinejegerkommandoen|'''Naval Special Operations Command''']] ({{langx|no|Marinejegerkommandoen}}) (''MJK''),<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.forsvaret.no/en/organisation/norwegian-special-forces |title=Organisation: The Norwegian Special Forces |website=Forsvaret}}</ref><ref name="nps" /> at Jaeger's Bight in Haakonsvern Naval Base, near [[Bergen]]. A research paper<ref>{{Cite book |last=Danielsen |first=Tone |title="Hos oss sitter kulturen i hjertet" – en antropologisk studie av kultur i Marinejegerkommandoen |publisher=Forsvarets forskningsinstitutt (FFI) |year=2012 |isbn=978-82-464-2052-3 |page=45 |language=no}}</ref> of the [[Norwegian Defence Research Establishment]] puts the force structure of the MJK at a staff and six combat squadrons  
**MJK Staff 
**Alfa Squadron - combat divers squadron, Norway's premier naval special warfare unit
**Bravo Squadron - combat divers squadron, entry unit for recent graduates of the frogmen training course
**Reconnaissance Squadron - special reconnaissance and intelligence unit
**Echo Squadron - special boat squadron
**Lima Squadron - combat support squadron 
**Training Squadron, at [[Ramsund, Norway|Ramsund]] Naval War Station in [[Tjeldsund Municipality]]
*'''339 Special Operations Aviation Squadron''' (339 Skvadron) (339 SKV), at [[Rygge Air Station]] and [[Bardufoss Air Station]], flying [[Bell 412SP]] helicopters, providing air support to the special forces. Being an air force unit, chief NORSOCOM executes tactical command of 339 SOAS.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.forsvaret.no/aktuelt-og-presse/aktuelt/staende-kontraterrorberedskap |title=Stående kontraterrorberedskap |trans-title=Standing counter-terrorism preparedness |date=2 July 2020 |website=Forsvaret |language=nb}}</ref>
*'''Special Operations Air Task Group''' (SOATG), at Rygge Air Station, providing operational planning, command and control for Norwegian Air Force assets deployed in support of special operations.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.forsvaret.no/aktuelt-og-presse/aktuelt/sammen-er-vi-sterke |title=Sammen er vi sterke |trans-title=Together we are strong |date=31 August 2020 |website=Forsvaret |access-date=2021-07-07 |language=nb}}</ref>

=== Norwegian Defence University College ===
The '''Norwegian Defence University College''' (''NDUC'') ({{langx|no|Forsvarets høgskole}}) is the institution in charge of officer and NCO training, re-qualification and military studies. The officer schools of the separate armed services are departments under NDUC and thus independent from their respective services. The central administration of the NDUC is located at the historic [[Akershus Fortress]] in the city center of Oslo.<ref name="NDUC">{{Cite web |url=https://www.forsvaret.no/en/organisation/nduc |title=The Norwegian Defence University College |website=Norwegian Armed Forces}}</ref>

==== Leadership ====
'''Chief of the NDUC'''

The NDUC is headed by the Chief of the NDUC (''sjef FHS'', also referred to as ''rektor''), a [[two-star rank]].

'''Leading Group'''

The Chief of the NDUC is assisted by the Leading Group (or the Leader's Group, ''Ledergruppen''), composed of the NDUC's Chief of Staff (''stabssjef''), the officer in charge of academic work (''dekan''), the chiefs of the Military Academy (''Krigsskolen'', the army officer school), the Air Force Academy (''Luftkrigsskolen'', the air force officer school) and the Naval Academy (''Sjøkrigsskolen'', the naval officer school), the Chief of the Cyber Engineer Academy (Cyberingeniørskolen, the recently established Cyber Defence branch's officer school), the Chief of the NCO School (''Befalsskolen'', joint for the armed forces), the directors of the two institutes for military studies and the NDUC's Command Sergeant Major (''sjefssersjant'').

'''Managing Board'''

The Managing Board of the NDUC (''Høgskolestyret'') is the governing body and it includes the Chief of the NDUC, The chiefs of the Army (''Hæren''), Navy (''Sjøforsvaret'') and the Air Force (''Luftforsvaret''), three members of the board (''tre ansattrepresentanter''), one external (audit) member of the board (ekstern representant) and one student (cadet or civilian) member of the board (''studentrepresentant'').

'''NDUC HS Administration'''

The NDUC Administration is composed of two staffs (administrative staff (''Driftsstab'') and academic work staff (''Fagstab'').

==== Departments ====
The following departments form the AFHS:<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.forsvaret.no/om-forsvaret/organisasjon/FHS/avdelinger-forsvarets-hogskole |title=Avdelinger ved Forsvarets høgskole |trans-title=Departments at the Norwegian Defense College |website=Forsvaret |language=nb |access-date=2021-07-02}}</ref><ref name="NDUC"/>

'''Norwegian National Defence Staff College'''

The Norwegian National Defence Staff College (''FHS Stabsskolen'') is located in the Akershus Fortress and provides education in general military studies, common to the services, such as strategic military leadership, international peacekeeping operations, Military-Civilian Cooperation etc. It offers Bachelor and Masters programs as well as advanced academic programs.

'''Defence Intelligence College'''

The Defence Intelligence College (''Språk- og etterretningsskolen'') is located at the [[Lutvann]] Barracks (''Lutvann leir'') in Oslo and the intelligence officer course is a three-year Bachelor program.

'''[[Norwegian Military Academy]]'''

The Norwegian Military Academy (''Krigsskolen'') is the Norwegian army officer school, located at the [[Linderud]] Barracks (Linderud leir) in Oslo. It provides officer training and professional development, as well as a NCO training program for high school students (''videregående befalsutdanning'').

'''Air Force Academy'''

The Air Force Academy (''Luftkrigsskolen'') is the Norwegian air force officer school, located in the Kuhaugen area in [[Trondheim Municipality]]. It provides officer training and professional development, as well as a NCO training program for high school students (''videregående befalsutdanning'').

'''Naval Academy'''

The Naval Academy (''Sjøkrigsskolen'') is the Norwegian navy officer school, located in the [[Laksevåg]] area in [[Bergen Municipality]]. It provides officer training and professional development, as well as a NCO training program for high school students (''videregående befalsutdanning'').

'''Cyber Engineer Academy'''

The Cyber Engineer Academy (''Cyberingeniørskolen'') is the [[Norwegian Cyber Defence Force]] officer school, located at the Jørstadmoen Barracks (''Jørstadmoen leir'') in [[Fåberg (village)|Fåberg]] in [[Lillehammer Municipality]]. It provides training for officer training in communication and information system operations.

'''NCO School'''

The NCO School (''Befalsskolen'') is a joint institution, training sergeants for all the services. It is located at the Sessvollmoen Barracks (''Sessvollmoen leir'') in [[Sessvollmoen]] near [[Oslo-Gardermoen|Oslo - Gardermoen IAP]]. The school was established in 2019 by merging the NCO school of the army (''Hærens befalsskole''), navy (''Befalsskolen for Sjøforsvaret''), air force (''Luftforsvarets flygeskole''), engineering services (''Forsvarets ingeniørhøgskole''), military intelligence service (''Forsvarets etterretningshøgskole'') and the [[Norwegian Home Guard|Home Guard]] (''Heimevernets befalsskole'').

==== Centers ====
'''Institute for Defence Studies'''

The [[Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies|Institute for Defence Studies]] (''Institutt for forsvarsstudier'') is located at the Akershus Fortress. It is organised in four centres: Centre for Norwegian and European Security, Centre for Civil-Military Relations, Centre for Asian Studies and Centre for Transatlantic Studies

'''Armed Forces Higher School Strategic Course'''

The Strategic Course (''FSH / Sjefskurs'')<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.forsvaret.no/utdanning/enkeltemner-og-kurs/sjefskurset |title=Sjefskurset |website=Forsvaret|language=nb |access-date=2021-07-02}}</ref> trains senior military officers and high-ranking government officials in strategic military command and national security studies. It uses the education resources of the Institute for Defence Studies, but it is independent from it, directly subordinated to the Chief of the AFHS.

==Small arms and handguns==
* [[Heckler & Koch MP5]] – replaced by the [[MP7]] in most positions, used by parts of the Home Guard
* [[Heckler & Koch MP7]] - standard issue SMG
* [[Heckler & Koch HK416]] – standard assault rifle
* [[Heckler & Koch HK417]] - designated marksman rifle
* [[Colt Canada C7 rifle#C8SFW|Colt Canada C8SFW]] – special forces only
* [[Barrett M82]]
* [[Barrett MRAD]]
* [[Glock 17]] – standard issue pistol, replaced by the [[MP7]] in some positions
* [[Heckler & Koch USP]] – in use with special forces
* [[Rheinmetall MG3]] – partly replaced by FN Minimi and Minimi 7,62 Mk3 as crew weapon
* [[FN Minimi]]
* [[FN Minimi#Minimi Mk3|Minimi 7,62 Mk3]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sethurupan |first=Nadarajah |date=2021-09-04 |title=Norway orders 4000 FN Minimi Mk3 7.62mm light machine guns from FN Herstal – NORWAY NEWS – latest news, breaking stories and comment – NORWAY NEWS |url=https://www.norwaynews.com/norway-orders-4000-fn-minimi-mk3-7-62mm-light-machine-guns-from-fn-herstal/ |access-date=2025-03-17 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[M2 Browning]]
* [[M72 LAW]] – light anti-armour weapon
* [[Carl Gustav recoilless rifle]] – anti-armour weapon
* [[FGM-148 Javelin]] – anti-armour guided missile
* [[M320 Grenade Launcher Module]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://forsvaret.no/fakta/utstyr/Vaapen/AG-HK416-granatutskytningsroer |title=AG-HK416 granatutskytningsrør |trans-title=AG-HK416 grenade launcher |date=28 June 2016 |website=Forsvaret |language=nb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805184320/https://forsvaret.no/fakta/utstyr/Vaapen/AG-HK416-granatutskytningsroer |archive-date=5 August 2020}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book |author=IISS |title=The Military Balance 2020 |year=2020 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-36746-639-8}}
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Military of Norway|Norwegian Armed Forces}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.dep.no/fd/engelsk/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010630124451/http://www.dep.no/fd/engelsk/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2001-06-30 |title=Royal Norwegian Ministry of Defence}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.mil.no/languages/english/start/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061210015831/http://www.mil.no/languages/english/start/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2006-12-10 |title=Norwegian Defence Force}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.norden.org/en/publications/publications/2009-764 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215115202/http://www.norden.org/en/publications/publications/2009-764 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2010-12-15 |title=One for all, all for one? New Nordic Defence Partnership? |website=Nordic Council of Ministers}}
* {{cite web |url=https://fhs.brage.unit.no/fhs-xmlui/bitstream/handle/11250/99267/DSS0110.pdf |title=Norwegian and Danish defence policy: A comparative study of the post-Cold War era |website=Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies}}

{{Norway topics}}
{{Norwegian Armed Forces}}
{{Military of Europe}}
{{North Atlantic Treaty Organization}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Military of Norway| ]]