Nearly 100 representatives from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden gathered in Bodø (northern Norway) on 25-28 August to further develop the Nordic Airpower Concept. The work aims to strengthen coordination and integration between the countries' air forces.
According to a press release from NATO's Allied Air Command, the meeting was held in Bodø and at NATO's new Combined Air Operations Centre in the city, CAOC Bodø. Participants worked in specialist groups and cross-functional teams to exchange experiences, discuss common challenges and identify opportunities for deeper cooperation.
"The Nordic air forces' staff talks are an important forum for professional military dialogue between the Nordic countries. Now that Finland and Sweden are NATO members, the conditions for even closer Nordic defence cooperation are better than ever," says Major General Tron Strand, Commander of CAOC Bodø.
The Nordic Airpower Concept forms the framework for this cooperation. The goal is to establish a common approach for how the countries' air forces can make use of their combined capabilities, knowledge and experience, and operate more closely together.
Sweden's Brigadier General Jörgen Axelsson, Deputy Commander of CAOC Bodø, states that the meeting strengthened both professional cooperation and the network of contacts between the Nordic air forces. According to NATO, continued integration will also contribute to the alliance's readiness, deterrence and collective defence in the region.