Norway, Germany Deepen Defence Cooperation with Hansa Arrangement

Why It Matters

The pact bolsters NATO’s deterrence posture in Europe and creates a robust industrial partnership that accelerates capability sharing between two key allies.

Key Takeaways

• Hansa Arrangement formalizes five‑area defence cooperation.
• Joint development of long‑range maritime missiles underway.
• Norway adds two submarines, matching Germany’s fleet size.
• Pre‑positioning German equipment on Norwegian soil under discussion.
• Leopard A28 tanks to enhance Norway‑Germany land force integration.

Pulse Analysis

The Hansa Arrangement arrives at a moment when Europe’s security architecture is being reshaped by heightened Russian activity and shifting strategic priorities. By formalising a comprehensive defence framework at the Munich Security Conference, Norway and Germany signal a commitment to collective security that extends beyond traditional bilateral ties. This partnership not only reinforces NATO’s maritime dominance in the North Atlantic and the High North but also adds a layer of resilience through shared space‑based surveillance capabilities, ensuring early warning and situational awareness across the region.

Operationally, the agreement translates into concrete projects that accelerate capability development. Norway’s recent acquisition of two additional submarines brings its fleet to parity with Germany, while both nations co‑develop the next‑generation 3SM long‑range maritime missile and construct state‑of‑the‑art maintenance facilities at Haakonsvern. Discussions on pre‑positioning German equipment on Norwegian soil aim to shorten reinforcement timelines, and the integration of Leopard A28 tanks will harmonise land‑force doctrines. Joint exercises such as Cold Response 26 will test these new synergies, fostering interoperability at the tactical level.

Beyond the battlefield, the Hansa Arrangement fuels a vibrant defence‑industry ecosystem. With Norway ranking as Europe’s second‑largest defence importer in 2025, the €1.4 billion procurement pipeline supports jobs at firms like RITEK and Krauss‑Maffei Wegmann. The industrial collaboration embedded in the pact promises technology transfer, joint R&D, and a stable market for high‑value assets. As both countries deepen their strategic alignment, the arrangement is poised to shape European security dynamics, offering a model for future bilateral initiatives that blend operational readiness with economic growth.

Norway, Germany deepen defence cooperation with Hansa Arrangement

February 2026

The signing ceremony of the German‑Norwegian defence agreement. Credit: Norwegian Ministries Digitalisation Organisation (DIO).

Norway and Germany have formalised a new bilateral defence arrangement, named the ‘Hansa Arrangement’, during the Munich Security Conference held from 13 to 15 February 2026.

Germany Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and his Norwegian counterpart Tore O. Sandvik signed the agreement, which aims to strengthen joint efforts in several military domains.

The Hansa Arrangement identifies five main areas of cooperation:

1. Maritime security and joint maritime operations in the North Atlantic and North Sea

2. Space‑based surveillance

3. Combined‑arms land warfare

4. Rapid reinforcement

5. Collaboration in the defence industry

This arrangement follows an earlier announcement by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz last summer regarding plans for enhanced bilateral defence ties.

“This is a natural development in an evolving security landscape. We aim to establish a framework that encompasses the full scope of bilateral defence cooperation between Norway and Germany.

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.”

— Tore O. Sandvik

Norway and Germany already cooperate on several defence initiatives. These include Norway’s recent approval of two additional submarines, bringing its fleet to six to match Germany’s total.

The two countries are also jointly developing next‑generation long‑range maritime missiles (3SM) and constructing new maintenance facilities at Haakonsvern in Bergen.

“Submarines are critical to the defence of allied territory. They are vital to NATO’s ability to maintain control and defence in the North Atlantic and the High North. We have established comprehensive cooperation on personnel training, and both nations are building new maintenance facilities at Haakonsvern in Bergen—a state‑of‑the‑art capability for our submarine fleets,”

— Tore O. Sandvik

Both countries intend to deploy expanded and enhanced naval forces, with Germany set to assume a greater role in the North Atlantic.

“This is a positive development for Norwegian and allied security,”

— Tore O. Sandvik

Additionally, Norway will continue to develop its infrastructure to facilitate allied reinforcements, while discussions are ongoing regarding possible pre‑positioning of German equipment on Norwegian territory.

German military units frequently train alongside Norwegian forces, including participation in exercises such as Cold Response 26 scheduled for this winter.

The acquisition of German Leopard A28 main battle tanks by Norway is intended to further enhance collaboration between the two countries’ land forces.

Norwegian units also work closely with German counterparts within NATO structures such as the German‑led Multinational Brigade in Lithuania.

In 2025, Norway ranked as the second‑largest importer of defence materiel after Ukraine, with procurement reaching €1.4 bn. This volume includes industrial partnerships that support employment, such as RITEK in Trøndelag assembling 37 out of 54 Leopard 2 main battle tanks ordered from German manufacturer Krauss‑Maffei Wegmann.