– Det er landmakten og marsj-støvler på norsk grunn som avgjør til slutt.
A leading voice in Norway’s Progress Party is calling for a re-evaluation of defense strategies, including returning weapons storage to individual homes. Frp’s defense policy spokesperson, Morten Kolbjørnsen, brings 40 years of experience from the Norwegian Armed Forces, including a leadership role with the Armored Battalion in Northern Norway, with service missions in nearly 30 countries.
Kolbjørnsen gained prominence as the politician who defeated Emilie Enger Mehl, a rising star in the Centre Party, in the 2025 election for a seat in Parliament representing the Hedmark region, according to local reports.
Kolbjørnsen argues that the debate surrounding the long-term defense plan ultimately comes down to one key question: the number of Norwegian soldiers available in a defensive scenario, and ensuring they have sufficient training during peacetime.
While acknowledging the importance of government investments in frigates, submarines, and long-range missiles, he stresses that soldiers remain the most critical component of national defense.
The war in Ukraine demonstrates that the decisive factor is the sheer number of soldiers, according to Kolbjørnsen.
“I believe the current discussion should focus not only on fulfilling the defense commitment, but similarly on whether we should be doing even more,” he said.
In a recent interview, Kolbjørnsen discussed:
– Går på troverdighet
Concerns are rising over potential cuts to the number of frigates planned for acquisition, with the Red and Green parties suggesting reductions following the defense chief’s request for two additional submarines, as reported by VG.
Kolbjørnsen strongly opposes this idea, arguing it would violate the terms of the defense agreement.
When questioned about warnings from Venstre leader Guri Melby regarding potential cuts to the frigate fleet, Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik stated that Norway is adhering to its agreement with the United Kingdom for “five to six frigates.”
Sandvik also emphasized that “if you add something, you must accept something else away.”
“It’s somewhat peculiar, considering anti-submarine warfare is one of the most important contributions we can make to the alliance,” Kolbjørnsen said.
He pointed out that the frigates Norway is purchasing from the UK possess excellent anti-submarine warfare capabilities, calling it “strange” that a maritime nation like Norway would consider reducing its frigate ambitions.
“It also impacts our credibility in securing support from the United States – demonstrating our commitment to contributing our share,” he added.
With only three frigates, Norway might only have one at sea at a time, Kolbjørnsen noted.
Kolbjørnsen interprets the defense chief’s statements as suggesting a reduction in frigates is possible, contingent on Ukraine achieving a favorable outcome in the war.
“But if Ukraine wins the war, or reaches a peace agreement they can live with, Russia will still have geared its economy towards war. It will take years to transition from a war economy to a peacetime economy. And what will they use that war economy for?” Kolbjørnsen asked, warning that Russia may have backed itself into a corner:
“That concerns me somewhat,” he said.
Frp’s defense spokesperson warns against acquiring expensive military equipment without sufficient personnel to operate it. Photo: Rune Hagen, Østlendingen
Kolbjørnsen believes the number of frigates should be thoroughly discussed by the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence.
“The needs outlined in the defense plan point to submarines, frigates, and standard vessels, and these are interconnected. But if prioritization becomes necessary, anti-submarine capability should be prioritized,” he said.
According to the Progress Party politician, this could imply prioritizing frigates and submarines at the expense of the 28 standard vessels the government plans to procure.
Kolbjørnsen believes that enrollment at the Naval Academy should be increased.
The politician warns against Norway ending up with military “gadgets” worth billions of kroner, but without enough qualified personnel to operate them.
Defense Minister on Russia: – We must be prepared earlier
Calls for Return of Home Weapon Storage
In 2014, the practice of storing weapons at home for the Home Guard was discontinued, according to the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Kolbjørnsen argues that traveling to a central depot to retrieve weapons before deployment works in areas with short distances, like Eastern Norway, but is impractical in Northern Norway.
“If it meant purchasing 40,000 weapon cabinets, I believe we should simply purchase 40,000 weapon cabinets,” he said.
He believes this would also have a positive impact on the Norwegian mindset in a more volatile geopolitical landscape.
“I think it would have a huge symbolic effect to have the weapon at home,” he stated.
“Do you think that would also lead to increased security awareness?”
“For the Home Guard, I think having weapon cabinets at home would be a significant factor.”
Morten Kolbjørnsen, the Progress Party’s defense policy spokesperson. Photo: Tone Magni Finstad Vestheim
Kolbjørnsen stresses that home weapon storage should be voluntary, with soldiers able to opt out if they choose.
Kuldesjokket bør være en vekker for alle
Open to Increased Oil Fund Spending
The defense minister recently urged lawmakers to consider whether they are willing to prioritize defense spending over other important areas of society.
Kolbjørnsen disagrees with this premise, arguing that Norway has sufficient funds to reach the target of 3.5% of GDP allocated to defense, unlike Germany, which is borrowing to meet its commitments.
“Do you want to increase oil fund spending?” he was asked.
“We want to keep all options open, and will take a position on this when we see what the government actually proposes, but increased spending may become necessary.”
The Progress Party politician is confident that Norwegian defense should be a priority.
“Then the question is: should we ensure our own security or should we keep the money in the bank? For me, it’s better to spend a little more of it to be safe,” he said.
He noted that the Progress Party has reflected this approach in its alternative budgets.
Kolbjørnsen finds it “strange” that the defense chief has not requested an increase in the long-term plan’s budget.
“The difficulty for us in the opposition is that the defense chief says he doesn’t need more money, but we believe he does.”
If the defense chief were to come to Parliament and request “a few billion” more, he would receive it, Kolbjørnsen said.
Ung bonde dømt, dyrebilen så ingen tegn til sykdom
Wants More Conscripts
The defense chief’s 2025 announcement that the Armed Forces would reduce training activity to prioritize increased readiness and replenish stockpiles raised eyebrows, according to VG.
Kolbjørnsen questions whether the Army and other units are training enough.
“We won the Cold War with our conscript army,” Kolbjørnsen said.
“Given how far down we are and the current geopolitical situation, we need to build back up quickly.”
At one point during Kolbjørnsen’s time in the Armed Forces, the number of conscripts reached 20,000 annually – more than double the current number.
He advocates for simplified conscription procedures, with mobilization units, and proposes a shorter conscription period of 6 months for those transferring to the Home Guard.
“It is claimed that Ukrainians are better prepared to meet the demands of war after five weeks than we spend 12 months on in initial training. If that is true, we should gaze more closely at the entire initial training,” he said.
Kolbjørnsen made the following calculation:
If Norway has three brigades, with 6,000 soldiers per brigade, that totals 18,000. Assuming Ukrainians lose 500 soldiers per week, that equates to 36 weeks.
“Then you can figure out how long this will last,” Kolbjørnsen said.
He believes that the abandoned Haslemoen camp in Våler, Innlandet, currently used as an asylum center, should be considered and reactivated to quickly increase the number of conscripts, and notes that the Centre Party has proposed this in Parliament, a suggestion the Progress Party views with interest.
