Norway Proposes New Defense Supply Law

The Norwegian government submitted its proposed defense supply law to Parliament on October 30, 2026. The legislation would implement the European Defence Industry Programme, an European Union framework combining industrial funding with measures to address supply shortages.

Norwegian authorities would identify key suppliers of products needed during crises, monitor production capacity and report risks of serious disruption. Selected companies could be required to share information about production and supply problems.

The Defense Ministry estimates Norway’s participation fees at €29 million for 2026–2028, funded within its existing budget. Participation would allow eligible Norwegian manufacturers to seek support for expanding defense production.

Orders could receive priority during crises

The framework includes procedures for prioritizing certain orders during an activated supply crisis. These measures require government approval and operate under defined conditions.

For defense products, priority requests depend on the manufacturer’s acceptance. Certain other products needed during a crisis could become subject to compulsory priority orders, with the required national approvals.

The ministry acknowledges that customers whose orders are displaced could face delayed deliveries and additional costs. It proposes no separate national compensation scheme at this stage; potential compensation would require assessment in individual cases.

Norway’s participation would exclude the program’s separate Ukraine Support Instrument, which is reserved for entities established in EU countries or Ukraine. The ministry nevertheless argues that strengthening Norwegian production would help sustain military support for Ukraine.

The proposed law would also give the EFTA Surveillance Authority, which oversees relevant European Economic Area obligations, powers to impose financial penalties on Norwegian companies for specified breaches. Those decisions could be reviewed by the EFTA Court.