Norway has removed KNDS Deutschland’s EuroPULS from its rocket artillery competition, leaving U.S. and South Korean systems as the remaining options. This decision occurs amid deepening defense partnerships between Berlin and Oslo, making the exclusion a notable point of contention within the partnership. The U.S. offers HIMARS and GMARS systems, while South Korea’s K239 Chunmoo presents an alternative with local production capabilities. Ultimately, Norway’s choice will influence NATO’s deep-fires architecture, impacting the balance between U.S. influence, Asian suppliers, and Europe’s drive for strategic autonomy.
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Norway has pledged $7 billion to Ukraine for its defense sector in 2026, as announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during his visit to Norway. During the visit, Shmyhal met with the Norwegian Defense Minister, discussing ongoing support and future cooperation. Key outcomes include Ukraine’s participation in the Joint Expeditionary Force meeting, a memorandum establishing unified quality standards for defense products, and a separate memorandum to launch joint defense production within Ukraine. These developments signal strengthened ties between the two nations, particularly as Ukraine aims to bolster its domestic defense capabilities.
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On Tuesday morning, two Norwegian F-35 fighter jets were dispatched to intercept a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over the Barents Sea, resulting in sonic booms that were heard and felt by residents of Alta. The Norwegian Air Force confirmed that the F-35s were scrambled under the Quick Reaction Alert program to identify and monitor the Russian aircraft operating in international airspace north of Finnmark. This operation is considered routine, as Russian reconnaissance aircraft often patrol near NATO borders, prompting allied air forces to regularly monitor such activity. Furthermore, there have been discussions within NATO regarding new rules of engagement, potentially allowing member states to shoot down Russian aircraft that carry missiles without warning if they enter allied airspace.
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A former US embassy security guard has been sentenced to three years and seven months in prison by a Norwegian court for spying on behalf of Russia and Iran. The 28-year-old provided floor plans, personal details of embassy staff and their families, and information about embassy activities in exchange for payments from Russian and Iranian intelligence. The court determined the information could be used for attacks, and the accused admitted to the actions, claiming they were a protest. Despite his defense’s argument, the court ruled that the information shared was harmful to US security interests.
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The Norwegian government unveiled its draft state budget for 2026, prioritizing security and emergency preparedness. The budget includes NOK 70 billion (€6 billion) earmarked for military support to Ukraine, reflecting a continued commitment to the Nansen Support Programme. An additional NOK 4.2 billion (€360 million) will be allocated to bolster the armed forces as part of a long-term plan. This commitment follows previous allocations, including approximately NOK 7 billion (€595 million) for air defense and contributions to the PURL mechanism for supplying American weapons.
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The Venezuelan government has shuttered its embassy in Oslo, according to Norway’s foreign ministry. The ministry did not provide an explanation for the closure. This announcement occurred just days after opposition leader Maria Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize. The news was reported by the Agence France-Presse.
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As the announcement of the Nobel Peace Prize nears, Norwegian politicians are preparing for potential repercussions from the US should Donald Trump not be awarded the prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee finalized their decision days before a recent ceasefire agreement, with experts deeming a Trump win highly unlikely. Concerns arise due to Trump’s history of expecting the prize and his volatile nature, with some speculating on possible retaliatory actions. While Trump has made efforts towards peace, his actions regarding international relations and democratic values conflict with the criteria for the Nobel Prize.
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Norway anticipates fallout from Friday’s Nobel Peace Prize announcement amid pressure from the Trump administration to award the prize to the US president. Trump’s efforts to influence the decision, including public claims and direct appeals to Norwegian officials, have escalated, particularly with recent developments in the Middle East. However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has indicated it will not yield to external influence. The announcement’s aftermath is highly anticipated, as Norway prepares for potential reactions to the chosen laureate.
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On Monday evening, September 22, unidentified drones were detected in both Denmark and Norway. Copenhagen Airport was closed due to the presence of 2-3 large drones, leading to flight diversions and a halt in operations. Simultaneously, in Oslo, drones were detected over a military area, resulting in the detention of two individuals from Singapore. These incidents follow previous instances of drones entering the airspace of NATO countries like Poland and Romania, raising concerns about potential security threats.
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A UN commission has concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. This conclusion is based on documented evidence of targeted killings, including children shot in the head, and the systematic destruction of hospitals, schools, and cultural sites. The commission also cites the use of starvation and the deliberate creation of unlivable conditions as evidence of genocidal intent. The commission’s findings are based on Israel’s actions and statements from leaders, leading them to the conclusion of genocidal intent.
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John Q. Hosedrinker