Nordic Defence Chiefs met in Norway

This week the Nordic Chiefs of Defence met in Oslo to continue the planning of the future Nordic cooperation.

Published 15. Oct 2022 09:00

Text by the Norwegian Armed Forces Communication Unit • Photo by Torbjørn Kjosvold

Updated: 14. Oct 2022 21:29

The Nordic military chiefs of Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway met in Oslo, Norway in October, to discuss a variety of topics related to development of the future Nordic cooperation.

Most importantly, they met to develop a joint military advice for political leadership based on the “Nordic model” with common priorities and the approach to NATO.

'Good discussions'

The Norwegian Chief of Defence, General Eirik Kristoffersen, highlights the importance of the Nordic Cooperation.

“This meeting in the Nordic framework has made it possible to continue the planning of the future Nordic cooperation. We had a good discussion on our common priorities and our future approach”, says Kristoffersen.

Nordic meeting in Oslo. From left to right: Major General Anders Rex, Chief of Staff Plans and Capabilities (DEN); Major General Janne Jaakkola, Chief of Planning (FIN); Vice Admiral Jonas Haggren, Chief of Defence Staff (SWE); General Flemming Lentfer, Chief of Defence (DEN); General Eirik Kristoffersen, Chief of Defence (NOR); General Timo Kivinen, Chief of Defence (FIN); Rear Admiral Solveig Krey, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations (NOR); and Major General Lena Persson Herlitz, Head of Policy and Plans (SWE).

Long history of cooperation

Nordic cooperation has existed for many years, both politically and military. Cooperation between the nations is very important and has gained momentum in light of the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Baltic Sea. The war in Ukraine was a central topic during their meeting, as well as the joint military winter exercise Nordic Response planned in 2024.

“We are facing a serious situation that all of us are following very closely. All our forces are operating together in our immediate areas, showing our close and good cooperation with partner and allies”, says General Kristoffersen.

Nordic countries and NATO

In 2009, military cooperation between the Nordic countries was formalised through the cooperation structure Nordic Defence Cooperation (Nordefco). Its main goal was to preserve and further develop the countries’ military capabilities and operational capability at a lower cost.

Swedish and Finnish NATO membership will further unite the Nordic countries.