Nordenland Defense Forces
| Nordenic Defense Forces | |
|---|---|
| Forsvarsmakt | |
 | |
| Motto | "Til Valhall" (To Valhalla) |
| Founded | 872 (As Leidang) |
| Current form | 2015 |
| Service branches | |
| Headquarters | Nordenic Joint Headquarters, Bodin |
| Website | Official Website |
| Leadership | |
| Monarch | Queen Helena III |
| Prime Minister | Elisabeth Marie Debakke |
| Minister of Defence | Sigurd Johansson |
| Chief of Defense | General Johan Henrik Aasheim |
| Personnel | |
| Military age | 19-44 (55 for officers) |
| Conscription | 19-month service obligation |
| Available for military service |
|
| Fit for military service |
|
| Reaching military age annually |
|
| Active personnel | 67,000 (ranked 30) |
| Reserve personnel | 120,000 |
| Deployed personnel | 2,000 |
| Expenditure | |
| Budget | Budget 252.68 billion NKR ~ 22.93 billion US-Dollar (2024) |
| Percent of GDP | 4% (2024) |
| Industry | |
| Domestic suppliers | |
| Foreign suppliers | |
| Related articles | |
| History |
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| Ranks | Military ranks and insignia of Nordenland |
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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 67,000 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
Main article: Military history of Nordenland
Origins
The modern Nordenland Defense Forces trace their origins to the 9th century, with the establishment of the Leidang, a naval levy system under King Harald I Halfdansson (Harald Fairhair). During this time, the Kingdom of Nordenland encompassed extensive territories, including Snøland, Grønland, and Fårholmene, and areas of the British Isles, such as Orkney, Shetland, and parts of the Hebrides.
The military system was initially based on the Leidang, requiring coastal communities to provide ships, crews, and supplies for defense and maritime operations. The Battle of Hafrsfjord (872) marked the establishment of the kingdom’s first unified military structure under Harald's rule. During the Viking Age, the Leidang supported Nordenland’s territorial expansion and defense against external threats, particularly across the North Atlantic. By the 10th century, it had evolved into a structured system for mobilizing both naval and land forces.
The introduction of Christianity in the 11th century brought greater centralization to Nordenland's military organization. By the 13th century, the Leidang had begun transitioning into a more permanent force, supported by regional garrisons and coastal fortifications. Key defensive locations included Nidaros and Hålogaland, which served as administrative and strategic hubs.
From the 13th to the 15th centuries, Nordenland faced growing pressure from neighboring powers, leading to the loss of territories in the British Isles, including the Hebrides and Isle of Man, following the Treaty of Perth (1266). Despite these setbacks, the kingdom maintained its sovereignty and consolidated its control over its North Atlantic territories, including Snøland, Grønland, and Fårholmene, which became critical to its maritime dominance and economic stability. During this period, the kingdom began transitioning from the Leidang system to the centralized Konungens Hær og Flotti (The King's Army and Fleet), formalized by the early 14th century. This new structure marked the rise of a standing army and navy directly controlled by the crown, supported by fortified coastal defenses and a professional officer corps.
Expansion and Regional Power (16th–18th Centuries)
The 16th and 17th centuries saw Nordenland establish itself as a leading regional power with an imperial-style military. The creation of permanent naval bases, artillery-equipped fortresses, and a standing army enabled the kingdom to defend its Arctic and North Atlantic holdings against rivals. The Kalmar War (1611–1613), driven by disputes with Sweden over Arctic trade routes and northern territories, tested Nordenland’s ability to maintain its influence in Scandinavia. Following its victory, Nordenland strengthened its naval capabilities and modernized its defenses, securing critical trade routes. The Great Northern War (1700–1721) further cemented Nordenland’s role as a dominant maritime and military power in the region, successfully repelling Swedish attempts to control the Arctic and North Atlantic.
In the 18th century, Nordenland adapted its military to the evolving European power dynamics, modernizing its navy and fortifying key trade hubs. Investments in artillery units and land-based defenses ensured the kingdom could protect its sovereignty against larger European empires, though diplomatic isolation and economic pressures posed ongoing challenges. This era highlighted Nordenland’s reliance on innovation and strategic alliances to maintain its influence.
The Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815) marked a transformative period for armed forces. Aligning with coalition forces against Napoleonic France, Nordenland leveraged its strategic location to secure key maritime trade routes in the North Sea and Arctic waters. The kingdom’s contributions, particularly through its naval operations, highlighted the growing effectiveness of its military reforms. However, the conflict also revealed significant weaknesses in Nordenland’s infrastructure and logistical systems, underscoring the need for a more centralized and professional military organization to address the demands of modern warfare.
Modernization and National Defense (18th–19th Century)
The adoption of the Eidsvoll Constitution in 1814 represented a pivotal moment in Nordenland’s military evolution. The constitution formally established a professional standing army and navy, replacing the medieval Leidang levy system. It codified the principle that the defense of the kingdom was a national responsibility, ensuring that all eligible citizens could be called upon for service. These reforms provided the foundation for a unified and modern military system, marking the birth of the Konungens Hær og Flotti (The King's Army and Fleet) in its professionalized form.
The post-war period was marked by extensive military restructuring. The creation of a centralized General Staff in the 1830s improved strategic planning and operational efficiency, while military academies were expanded to train a new generation of officers. Investments in naval modernization, including the transition to steam-powered ships, ensured Nordenland’s ability to protect its Arctic and North Atlantic trade routes, safeguarding the kingdom’s economic and territorial interests.
By the mid-19th century, Nordenland had established a robust defensive infrastructure. Fortified garrisons in key locations, such as Kalda and Hålogaland, and new artillery-equipped coastal defenses provided a strong deterrent against external threats. This era laid the groundwork for Nordenland’s emergence as a modern military power, capable of defending its sovereignty and maintaining its influence in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions.
World Wars (1914-1945)
World War I (1914–1918)
During World War I, Nordenland maintained a policy of armed neutrality, leveraging its strategic position in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions. The kingdom’s economy depended on trade agreements, with coal imports from Britain balanced by exports of Nordenic goods such as fish and copper ore. This placed Nordenland’s merchant fleet in contested waters, where it faced the threat of German U-boats, leading to the loss of several vessels.
The Royal Nordenic Navy was fully mobilized, along with select coastal fortifications and elements of the army. Throughout the war, the navy bore the primary responsibility for enforcing Nordenland’s neutrality, conducting extensive patrols to safeguard territorial waters and shipping lanes. Convoy systems were established to secure maritime trade, supported by fortified naval bases in key locations along the coastline. These operations ensured the continued operation of Nordenland’s shipping routes but left personnel and equipment exhausted by the war’s conclusion.
The Royal Nordenic Navy Air Service, established in 1912, operated Maurice Farman MF.11 seaplanes for reconnaissance and coastal patrol missions. These aircraft were deployed from seaplane bases constructed in key strategic locations, including Bergen and Narvik, providing critical aerial surveillance to support naval operations. The Royal Nordenic Air Force, formally established in 1914, conducted land-based reconnaissance and coastal defense operations throughout the war.
Interwar Period (1919–1939)
In 1933, the invasion defense was reduced to a neutrality watch. The idea was to rebuild the defense forces if signs of war emerged in Europe. In the latter half of the decade, this process began, but it started too late to withstand the German invasion in 1940.
World War II (1939-1945)
Although Nordenland sought to remain neutral at the outset of World War II, it was invaded by Germany in April 1940 as part of Operation Weserübung, leading to the occupation of the kingdom. Despite significant losses during the invasion, the royal family, government, and key naval assets escaped to the United Kingdom, allowing Nordenland to continue fighting alongside the Allies. The Royal Nordenic Navy, strengthened by its exiled fleet, played a vital role in Arctic convoy operations, anti-submarine warfare, and North Atlantic patrols, securing critical Allied supply routes. Notable contributions included escorting Arctic convoys to Murmansk, the sinking of German battleship Scharnhorst
The Royal Nordenic Air Force, operating under the command of the Royal Air Force (RAF) until 1944, supported Allied efforts through reconnaissance, anti-submarine patrols, and strategic bombing missions. Nordenic pilots, integrated into RAF squadrons, distinguished themselves in key operations, contributing to the defense of Arctic convoys and the broader air campaigns over Europe and the Arctic. Meanwhile, Nordenic commandos successfully executed Operation Gunnerside, sabotaging German nuclear research at Vemork and crippling the production of heavy water essential to Germany’s atomic program.
In 1944, Nordenic forces joined the Liberation of Finnmark, coordinating with Soviet troops to drive German forces out of the northernmost region of the kingdom. The campaign reclaimed vital territory and marked the first significant step toward freeing Nordenland from occupation. By May 1945, with the surrender of German forces, Nordenland’s sovereignty was fully restored.
Cold War (1945–1991)
After the war, the resolve to strengthen defense was strong, and "Never again April 9!" became a rallying cry. Nordenland abandoned its neutral stance and joined the newly established NATO alliance in 1949. The Nordenic Armed Forces also developed closer ties with the United States, particularly through the receipt of substantial defense material under the mutual assistance agreement between Nordenland and the U.S. The major military threat was the Soviet Union, and Nordenland reintroduced an invasion defense strategy. Nordenic politicians had to balance their relationship with the Soviet Union, as a neighboring power, alongside their commitments to NATO. This included decisions such as not deploying nuclear weapons on Nordenic soil and adopting a base policy designed to avoid provoking the Soviets, both of which strained relations with NATO allies.
A new branch of the armed forces, the Home Guard, was established as a result of lessons learned from the resistance movement. Its purpose was to maintain a rapidly mobilizable force to safeguard critical societal functions and support the army's mobilization.
Until 1970, the three chiefs of the traditional military branches were largely autonomous in their respective fields. During this time, the various staffs were co-located, along with the Ministry of Defence, at Huseby near Kalda. Stronger political oversight emerged, even after the Ministry of Defence returned to the center of Kalda a few years later for practical reasons.
Gulf War(1990-1991)
In 1991, Nordenland participated in the Gulf War under Operation Torden, its contribution to the U.S.-led coalition following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.
A total of 2,850 personnel from the Nordenland Defense Forces were deployed during the conflict, focusing on air and naval operations. The Royal Nordenic Air Force conducted combat air patrols, ground strikes, and reconnaissance missions, while the Royal Nordenic Navy enforced a maritime blockade in the Persian Gulf to secure critical supply lines and implement sanctions against Iraq. Nordenland also provided logistical support to aim the Coalition effort.
The operation resulted in the loss of fifty personnel, including pilots, logistics staff. Several aircraft and helicopters were destroyed during the campaign. Financially, the cost of Nordenland’s involvement was offset by contributions from coalition partners, notably Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Post-Cold War Downsizing and International Operations (1990–2000)
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact around 1990, the Nordenland Defense Forces underwent significant downsizing. Maintaining an oversized Cold War-era military proved increasingly costly, leading to a substantial reduction in personnel and equipment. During the 1990s, the number of soldiers was significantly reduced, and territorial responsibility was gradually transferred from the Army to the Home Guard. Political and economic priorities further shifted, reflecting the reduced direct military threat from Russia and the evolving global security environment. Reform efforts gained momentum toward the end of the decade, following recommendations from defense studies, including Forsvarsmaktstudie 2000, led by Arne Thorvaldsen, which highlighted the need to transition from a large invasion-based defense to a leaner, modernized force.
Throughout the 1990s, Nordenland participated in 23 international operations, transitioning from traditional peacekeeping missions to more demanding peace-enforcement roles. Early contributions included deployments to Somalia during UNOSOM I and II in 1992, with Nordenland personnel supporting international efforts to stabilize the region. In the same decade, Nordenland played a role in the Yugoslav Wars, providing both combat and logistical support under NATO command. These operations underscored the importance of highly trained, agile forces capable of responding to evolving global conflicts.
Structure
The formal commander-in-chief is Queen Helena III; however, the de facto supreme decision-making authority lies with the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister. The Chief of Defence (a four-star general or admiral) serves as the professional head and leader of the Nordenland Defense Force and acts as the principal military adviser to the Minister of Defence. The Chief of Defence and their staff are based at the Akershus Fortress in Kalda, while the Nordenland Joint Headquarters, responsible for commanding operations, is located at Bodin.
The primary naval base for surface combatants is Haakonsvern in Bjørgvin, while Olavsvern, near Tromsø, serves as the primary base for submarines. The Army's HQ is situated at Heggelia Leir, with the largest army camp in the north being Sætermyr Garnison and the largest in the south being Renna Garrison.
The main air station is Alfnes Air Station, serving as the hub for aerial support missions, while Hlymrek Air Station functions as the primary hub for combat aircraft operations. Reykheimar Air Station serves as the headquarters for the Royal Nordenic Air Force.
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.