Nordenland Defense Forces
| Nordenic Defense Forces | |
|---|---|
| Forsvarsmakt | |
 | |
| Founded | 872 (As Leidang) |
| Current form | 2015 |
| Service branches | |
| Headquarters | Nordenic Joint Headquarters, Bodin |
| Website | Official Website |
| Leadership | |
| Commander-in-Chief | Queen Helena III |
| Personnel | |
| Military age | 19-44 (55 for officers) |
| Conscription | 19-month service obligation |
| Expenditure | |
| Budget | Budget 252.68 billion NKR ~ 22.93 billion US-Dollar (2024) |
| Percent of GDP | 4% (2024) |
| Industry | |
| Domestic suppliers | Arvakr Aerospace |
The Nordenland Defense Forces (Nordenic: Forsvarsmakt, lit. "Defense Forces") are the combined military forces of the Kingdom of Nordenland. It consists of six branches: the Royal Nordenic Army, the Royal Nordenic Navy (including the Coast Guard), the Royal Nordenic Air Force, the Home Guard, the Cyber Defense Force, and the Special Forces, along with several joint operational departments.
The military force in peacetime comprises approximately 65,000–70,000 personnel, including military and civilian staff, and expands to around 150,000 personnel in total during full mobilization, including conscripts and the Home Guard.
Among European NATO members, Nordenland's military expenditure of US$22.93 billion (4% of GDP) is one of the highest per capita.
History
An organized military in Nordenland was first assembled in the 9th century, with an early focus on naval warfare to protect the kingdom’s vast territories, including Snøland, Grønland, and Fårholmene. The modern Nordenic Army was formally established in 1814 following the adoption of the Eidsvoll Constitution, marking Nordenland’s independence. While the military did not engage in major conflicts for over a century, it saw combat during the German invasion of Nordenland in 1940, which led to the royal family and government fleeing into exile.
In 1990, Nordenland participated in the Gulf War as part of the coalition forces, contributing naval and logistical support. This marked Nordenland’s first significant international military intervention since World War II and solidified its role in collective security under the United Nations and NATO frameworks.
In 1949, Nordenland abandoned its neutrality to become a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). During the Cold War, Nordenland heavily fortified its Arctic and North Atlantic territories, building significant military infrastructure in Hålogaland and Grønland to counter Soviet threats. Since the 2000s, the Nordenic Defense Force has shifted from a territorial defense focus to a modern, mobile force capable of participating in international missions.
Following the terrorist attacks in 2011 and 2015, Nordenland intensified its involvement in the Global War on Terror. The attacks, which targeted civilian areas and caused significant casualties, prompted the government to adopt a proactive stance in international counterterrorism operations. Nordenic forces were deployed in Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and later the Resolute Support Mission, contributing combat troops, special forces, and logistical support.
In 2021, Nordenland withdrew its combat units from Afghanistan, marking the end of over two decades of military operations aimed at combating global terrorism. These efforts underscored Nordenland’s commitment to NATO and international security while also shaping its modern defense strategy to address both traditional and asymmetric threats.
Organization
Conscription
Conscription was constitutionally established on 17 May 1814 with Konungerikt Noræges Grunnlov § 122. Nordenland employs a comprehensive system of mandatory military service for both men and women. While approximately 90,000 individuals were called in for the examination of persons liable for military service in 2023, around 25,000 were conscripted. In practice, recruits are not forced to serve; instead, only those who demonstrate motivation and meet the selection criteria are chosen.
In earlier times, up until at least the mid-1990s, all men aged 19–44 were subject to mandatory service, with strong justification required to avoid being drafted.
Since 1985, women have been able to enlist voluntarily for regular service. On 20 March 1995, the Nordenic Parliament voted to extend conscription to women, making Nordenland the first NATO member and European country to mandate compulsory service for both genders. By 2020, women made up 40% of new conscripts.
There is a right to conscientious objection.
Students of professional subjects (e.g., doctors, engineers, pharmacists) may serve their conscription after completing their studies. This arrangement, known as Conscript Academic Officer (Vernepliktige akademikere), allows them to complete a short officer training program and serve as lieutenants in their respective fields.