Rolf Folland Appointed as Norwegian Military Representative to NATO
On Friday, the Council of State appointed Rolf Folland as Lieutenant General and as the Norwegian Military Representative to NATO.
On Friday, 14 June 2024, it was officially announced that Rolf Folland will take over as chief of the Norwegian Military Representative to NATO HQ in Brussels. Since 2021, Rolf Folland has been the Chief of the Air Force. He succeeds Louise Kathrine Dedichen, who has held the position since 2019.
Chief of Defence Eirik Kristoffersen looks forward to having Folland as his new representative to NATO.
"Rolf has delivered excellent results over many years, most recently as the Chief of the Air Force. As the Head of the Military Mission in Brussels, he will be my permanent representative on NATO's Military Committee," says the Chief of Defence.
Norwegian Military Representative to NATO
The Norwegian Military Representative to NATO (MMB) is the Norwegian Armed Forces' formal representation at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
The department also looks after Norway's interests and participates in working groups and panels that work out the basis for decisions for NATO’s Military Committee and the North Atlantic Council.
Increased cooperation with NATO
During his three years as Chief of the Air Force, Folland has worked closely with NATO's air command and key allies to strengthen the alliance's air power. The membership of Finland and Sweden has been important, exciting, and educational.
"NATO is the cornerstone of Norway's security architecture, and today's security policy situation has forced many changes that require increased collaboration with the alliance. These changes are made to better synchronise national efforts and resources, and to give the military commander the freedom to act so that the alliance can effectively counter hostile aggression and withstand attacks if deterrence should fail," says Folland.
Experienced Pilot
Folland has an extensive operational background as a helicopter pilot. In addition to serving as a pilot, he has been the commander of both the Norwegian 337 Squadron and the 330 Squadron.
He has international experience as the commander of Norway's aeromedical contribution, the Norwegian Aeromedical Detachment (NAD), in the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Meymaneh, Afghanistan, in 2009 and 2010. He was also the head of the Situation Centre in the Norwegian Defence Staff for three years. Additionally, he has served at the Norwegian Defence University College and was the head of the Air Operations Inspectorate.
Folland has higher education from the United States Air Force Command and Staff College in 2009 and the Chief of Staff Course at the Norwegian Defence University College in 2012.
Looking Forward to an Exciting Role
Folland will start his new job when the Ministry of Defence decides. He is looking forward to taking on the new role.
"My initial focus will be on leading the Air Force until a new chief takes over. After that, I will turn my attention to leading the Military Mission in Brussels and being the Chief of Defence's permanent representative on NATO's Military Committee. An exciting role in dynamic times," says Folland.