Norway is proceeding with a NOK1.9 billion (USD230 million) budget increase for 2017, the country's Ministry of Defence announced on 11 October.

The increase will bring the country's total military spending to NOK50.9 billion, NOK12.1 billion of which is set to be spent on procurement.

Within its announcement of its increased budget authority, the ministry also said that it is earmarking NOK8.6 billion of the money to be spent on the Lockheed Martin F-35 programme. Norway is a partner on the programme, and slated to buy about 50 aircraft.

The increase is a fulfilment of the ministry's Long Term Defence Plan, which was released in June.

Source : janes.com