Given the shortsighted actions of Finland, directly conflicting with Russia, and then joining NATO in order to attempt to avoid being singled out. With their massive break from not antagonizing Russia, we have found the Finnish actions to be erratic.

Given this, we also have seen the United States and the EU having a difficult relationship. It is with this in mind that we are glad to have implemented new conscription laws 2 years prior, that has been matched with a nearly doubled Norwegian Army. Brigade Nord will be mobilized with an exercise to be conducted in northern Norway under Operation Solidaritet. Brigade Sør is the almost entirely conscription brigade, and these troops will be mobilized, but remain in southern Norway. The goal here is to have the conscripts undergo the necessary exercises in case the Finnish aggression results in Russia pushing against us.

With this in mind, the Storting has approved an increase from 2% GDP defense spending to be massively increased to 2.5%. The main reason for this is not allocation to procurement, but instead to make sure to ensure a high level of training for both the professional and conscription units. We also want to make sure the maintenance levels are at the very best, as well as ensuring our inventory/logistics so that we do not run out of ammunition like the other European powers have done in Libya.

This increase also means that the equipment being phased out of active service will be able to be retained for the Home Guard or in reserve. This is reflected in the F-16s, Leopard 2A4, and other units that are being phased out, but can still be maintained and used in a secondary role. We plan to have the Home Guard use this equipment to improve their skills while also providing another layer of defense.

The final plan for this massive increase is to use it to fund the creation of a professional Marine force. The Royal Amfibisketropper will be the new branch of the Norwegian Marines, different from the Special Forces that we previously used. Utilizing the Johan de Witt-class ATD that will be entering in service, we plan to have 2 battalions of a total 1,500 strong marine force that will not only be deployed within Scandinavia, but also around the world.

Especially with the procurement plans coming to an end with a lot of new equipment having been purchased, we plan to allot most of the new budget to maintain the forces we have, with the idea for potentially expanded operations.