Norway and Germany have signed a new bilateral defense agreement, known as the “Hansa Arrangement,” during the 62nd Munich Security Conference, expanding cooperation across key military domains.
The agreement was signed by Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, following last summer’s announcement by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Sandvik said stronger European cooperation is essential as Europe assumes greater responsibility within NATO’s burden-sharing framework.
“Germany is one of Norway’s most important allies in Europe and our key partner in the EU. We are now taking our close and robust cooperation a step further,” he said.
Five Priority Areas
The Hansa Arrangement focuses on:
- Space-based surveillance, targeting and communications
- Maritime security and joint operations in the North Atlantic and North Sea
- Land warfare and combined arms
- Rapid reinforcement
- Defense industry cooperation
Maritime cooperation is central to the deal. Norway recently approved two additional submarines, bringing its total fleet to six—matching Germany’s planned fleet of identical vessels. The countries are also collaborating on next-generation long-range maritime missiles (3SM).
Germany continues to train in Norway and is expected to participate in the Cold Response 26 exercise. Discussions are ongoing regarding possible German equipment pre-positioning in Norway to enhance rapid reinforcement.
The agreement also strengthens industrial cooperation, including Norway’s acquisition of German Leopard 2 main battle tanks and joint technology projects in the space domain.
Officials said the arrangement reflects growing European efforts to reinforce NATO and regional security amid heightened uncertainty.
