Norwegian defence reforms of the 1990s

Abstract

This report gives an overview of the Norwegian Defence Reforms of the 1990s focussing on defence concept evolution, the planning process, implementation issues, funding, time horizon for planning and lessons identified. Three implementation areas for defence reforms are highlighted: The need for a direction or vision for the longer term development of the defence, the need for planning consistency in overall defence ambitions, the structural development and the defence funding, and finally, the need for a strong political and military commitment to the implementation of the defence plans. This report is based on an earlier paper submitted for a publication on "Defence Reforms of the 1990s: lessons learned" by the EastWest Institute and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (Switzerland). Brassey's Inc is publishing the Defence Reforms volume by the end of 2002.