Norway and Germany have formalized a new bilateral defense framework, known as the Hansa Arrangement, to expand cooperation across all domains.
The Norwegian government said Saturday that Defense Minister Tore Sandvik and his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, signed the agreement during the Munich Security Conference.
“Our countries stand united in a time of heightened uncertainty in Europe, sharing security interests, a solid industrial partnership, and a joint responsibility to strengthen NATO and European security,” Sandvik added.
What Does the Hansa Arrangement Cover?
The framework outlines five priority areas: maritime security in the North Atlantic and North Sea, combined-arms land operations, rapid reinforcement, defense industrial cooperation and space-based surveillance and communications.
How Will the Norway-Germany Agreement Strengthen Naval and Land Forces?
Maritime Cooperation
The partnership centers on defense material, including submarines, missile systems and main battle tanks. Norway’s parliament recently authorized the purchase of two additional submarines, expanding its fleet to six. Upon delivery, both countries will operate six identical submarines while advancing the development of the SuperSonic Strike Missile, a long-range maritime strike capability. This follows Norway’s defense agreement with the UK to safeguard the North Atlantic against Russian undersea threat.
Land Forces
The agreement expands German training activities in Norway to boost Arctic readiness and supports infrastructure enhancements for allied reinforcements, including the potential pre-positioning of German equipment. Norway is also acquiring German Leopard 2A8 tanks and will continue contributing to the German-led NATO multinational brigade in Lithuania.
How Does the Pact Advance Industry & Space Cooperation?
Defense Industry
Norway imported approximately $1.51 billion in defense materiel in 2025, supporting industrial cooperation and job creation. Norwegian firm RITEK will assemble 37 of the 54 Leopard 2 tanks ordered from Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann.
Space Collaboration
The two countries are also strengthening cooperation in space technologies. Andøya Spaceport, a key element of Norway’s space strategy, could support future German launch activities.
How Does the Hansa Arrangement Build on Existing Alliances?
The Hansa Arrangement builds on Norway and Germany’s broader international defense partnerships. A 2021 U.S.-Norway defense agreement continues to provide American forces access to Norwegian bases. Norway has also completed its purchase of 52 F-35A jets from Lockheed Martin. Germany has also partnered with the UK to advance quantum technology, while the Canada-Germany Digital Alliance aims to boost artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and digital infrastructure initiatives.