Nearly 100 representatives from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden gathered in Bodø (northern Norway) from 25 to 28 August to further develop the Nordic Airpower Concept. The work is intended to strengthen coordination and integration between the countries' air forces.
According to a press release from NATO's air command, 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 the cooperation. The aim is to create a common direction 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 the professional cooperation and the networks between the Nordic air forces. According to NATO, the continued integration will also contribute to the Alliance's readiness, deterrence and collective defence in the region.