War is coming like never before
We are running out of time to build defences against Russia, warns Norway's commander in chief
Moscow is building up its weapons stockpiles much faster than Nato allies had anticipated, creating a sense of urgency, the general said
James Rothwell, BERLIN CORRESPONDENT23 January 2024 • 7:04pm
Norway must ramp up defence spending in the face of
a potential war with Russia within three years, the country’s armed forces chief has warned.
General Eirik Kristoffersen said in an interview with Dagbladet, a Norwegian newspaper, that time was running out to build up the nation’s defences in the face of an
increasingly unpredictable Russia.
“The current window of opportunity will remain open for a year or two, perhaps three, which is when we will have to invest even more in our defence,” Gen Kristoffersen said in the interview, published on Sunday.
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“We do not know what will become of Russia in three years. We need to prepare a strong national defence to be able to meet an uncertain and unpredictable world,” he added.
The Norwegian general said Moscow was building up its weapons stockpiles much faster than
Nato allies had anticipated, adding to the sense of urgency.
Open conflict with Russia on the eastern flank is increasingly becoming the biggest security threat facing Europe CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES EUROPE/SEAN GALLUP
Norway, a Nato member, does not currently meet the alliance’s requirement of spending two per cent of GDP per year on defence, but is aiming to reach that goal by 2026.
It is the latest in a string of warnings from Western leaders that open conflict with Russia on the eastern flank is increasingly becoming the biggest security threat facing Europe