OSLO — Nordic defense ministers agreed Thursday to begin developing a cooperation agreement intended to give their armed forces a stronger legal framework for working together.
The agreement is meant to clear legal obstacles to closer cooperation between Nordic armed forces. The joint ministerial statement said that work would also contribute to NATO deterrence and collective defense.
The statement gives no deadline for completing the negotiations. It says the work will follow NATO’s efforts and build on the Vision for Nordic Defence Cooperation 2030, signed in 2024.
Russia’s continuing war against Ukraine remains the region’s most pressing security challenge, the ministers said. They pledged continued political, military, financial and humanitarian support for Ukraine.
Ammunition target on track
The Nordic governments set a goal in 2023 to triple ammunition production capacity by 2030. The ministers said investment and production progress remain on track to reach that target.
Their statement also cited closer military planning, capability development, arms purchases and logistical support. The Nordic air forces have made substantial progress toward operating together, while NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Finland marked another step in regional collective defense.
Nordic defense chiefs attended the first day of the Oslo meeting with Gen. Nick Perry, commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command Norfolk. The five countries now fall under that command structure.
Defense ministers also met Nordic officials responsible for preparedness and civil defense. The talks covered civil-military coordination and the resilience of Nordic societies, while participants attended the Atlantic Future Forum aboard HMS Prince of Wales.