# Nordic air forces strengthen cooperation

- Source: Nordic Defence Sector (https://nordicdefencesector.com)
- Canonical URL: https://nordicdefencesector.com/en/article/nordic-air-force-chiefs-gather-at-caoc-bodo-to-strengthen-joint-air-capability
- Published: 2026-09-11
- Author: Mikael Berg
- Type: News · Section: Air · Country: international
- Language: en — machine translation from sv; the sv version is authoritative: https://nordicdefencesector.com/sv/article/nordic-air-force-chiefs-gather-at-caoc-bodo-to-strengthen-joint-air-capability.md
- Also available in: de (https://nordicdefencesector.com/de/article/nordic-air-force-chiefs-gather-at-caoc-bodo-to-strengthen-joint-air-capability.md), dk (https://nordicdefencesector.com/dk/article/nordic-air-force-chiefs-gather-at-caoc-bodo-to-strengthen-joint-air-capability.md), es (https://nordicdefencesector.com/es/article/nordic-air-force-chiefs-gather-at-caoc-bodo-to-strengthen-joint-air-capability.md), fi (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fi/article/nordic-air-force-chiefs-gather-at-caoc-bodo-to-strengthen-joint-air-capability.md), fr (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fr/article/nordic-air-force-chiefs-gather-at-caoc-bodo-to-strengthen-joint-air-capability.md), it (https://nordicdefencesector.com/it/article/nordic-air-force-chiefs-gather-at-caoc-bodo-to-strengthen-joint-air-capability.md), no (https://nordicdefencesector.com/no/article/nordic-air-force-chiefs-gather-at-caoc-bodo-to-strengthen-joint-air-capability.md), pl (https://nordicdefencesector.com/pl/article/nordic-air-force-chiefs-gather-at-caoc-bodo-to-strengthen-joint-air-capability.md)
- Primary source: https://ac.nato.int/archive/2026/nordic-air-forces-strengthen-cooperation-at-caoc-bodoe.aspx
- Tags: danmark, finland, island, norge, sverige, nato, allied air command, caoc bodø, nordic airpower concept, denmark, iceland, norway, sweden

> The five Nordic NATO countries are developing the forms for closer cooperation in air power. The work is based on the joint Nordic air power concept.

![Two Gripen aircraft.](https://imagedelivery.net/XO8UY-c6-LfWgEjQsN8IQw/77041c72-78e3-4f61-f835-112fc4c65d00/public)
*Two Gripen aircraft. · Saab AB*

**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](https://ac.nato.int/archive/2026/nordic-air-forces-strengthen-cooperation-at-caoc-bodoe.aspx) 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.

## FAQ

**What is the purpose of the meeting at CAOC Bodø on 25-28 August 2026?**

The meeting aimed to advance work on the Nordic Airpower Concept, with nearly 100 representatives working in specialist and cross-functional groups. The goal was to develop a more cohesive air capability by utilising the combined resources, expertise and operational experience of the five Nordic countries. Last fact-checked: 2026-09-11.

**Which countries participated in the staff talks on the Nordic Airpower Concept?**

Representatives from the air forces of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden participated in the staff talks. Norwegian Major General Tron Strand, Commander of CAOC Bodø, emphasises that Finnish and Swedish NATO membership has changed the strategic situation and strengthens both Nordic defence capability and NATO as an alliance. Last fact-checked: 2026-09-11.

**What is CAOC Bodø and when was it activated?**

CAOC Bodø is NATO's third Combined Air Operations Centre, focused on the air domain as well as air and missile defence, and was activated in October 2025. It complements the existing centres in Uedem, Germany, and Torrejón, Spain, within NATO's air operations structure. Last fact-checked: 2026-09-11.

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