Norway adds $12b to its long-term defence plan

"We are...allocating a significant increase in resources to the long-term plan, while also carefully weighing the priorities needed to rapidly strengthen Norway's defence capabilities," Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere told a press conference.

Norway expects to receive the first of its German-ordered submarines in 2029 while the first two frigates bought from Britain are expected to arrive in 2030 and 2032, respectively.

Among elements being delayed is the procurement of anti-ballistic air defences as well as of maritime surveillance drones, Defence Minister Tore Sandvik told the press conference.

Support for Ukraine comes in addition to the 3.5 per cent of GDP spending, the government said.

(Reporting by Gwladys Fouche, editing by Terje Solsvik)