The government is creating a new task force in Bergen

The new task forces, which are part of the government’s long-term plan for increased investment in the Homeland Security, will emphasize naval defence.

Two of the forces are to be established in Bergen and Trøndelag, writes Forsvarets Forum.

– We will get departments that will be specially trained to operate along the coast and capacities that will be completely new in the Armed Forces, says Christoffer Thomas Knutsen, outgoing head of the Bergenhus Heimevernsdistrikt.

The new task forces, which according to the government’s timeline will be in place in 2030, will have a focus on naval defense and have similar functions as the Norwegian Maritime Guard had before it was closed down in 2017.

District manager in Trøndelag, Marianne Eidem, is positive about the creation of the new task forces. She believes it is appropriate now that Sweden and Finland have joined NATO.

– It is important to increase capacity around important infrastructure near the coast. There will be no less allied reception in the coming time, says Eidem.