Opinions This is a debate post. The post expresses the writer’s views.
In the Center Party’s first long-term plan, the all-time investment in defense is implemented. Not since the Cold War have more funds been spent on national security. It is necessary. In the same way that you have contents insurance, the nation must ensure that we never have war in the country again. Never again April 9th.
National transport plan also responds to military needs through a separate chapter on social security and emergency preparedness, including funding for important bridges, including in Nordland and Troms. The needs are defined by the Armed Forces. That is one of the reasons why double tracks on Ofotbanen are finally getting started with the three crossing tracks. When both the Swedish and Finnish transport ministers visit Narvik at the same time, it means something, has it not happened before?
Much of the military the infrastructure in Norway is financed with funds from NATO after the Second World War. Bodø airport, Bardufoss and Andøya are examples of this. Furthermore, the camps at Setermoen and Bardufoss (Heggelia, Rusta and Skjold) were built, which trained large crews. An insurance policy against war.
It is also ongoing discussions in NATO on how the organization should facilitate military mobility in the member states. In short, it is being discussed whether NATO should contribute to funding to ensure that the member states have the infrastructure that is necessary in the event of crisis and war. This is a topic that will be discussed in the lead up to the summit in Washington this summer.
Has Nordland the infrastructure needed to accommodate 150,000 soldiers in Ofoten at once? As the situation is now, this is demanding. Narvik Senterparti therefore proposes that the planned tunnel through the center of Narvik be realized with staging areas for military material. It can also be closed to civilian traffic in such cases when there is a detour.
If it is realised as a four-lane tunnel, with railway tracks in two of the lanes for safe loading of material in mountains, one would perhaps want the best solution. It will provide protection and military room for maneuver for safe allied landings while also solving one of Northern Norway’s most important bottlenecks in terms of infrastructure. It will be a win-win situation.
