Norway reports record levels of military exports

Norway's defense industry exported a record $424 million in military systems and equipment in 2007, according to data released by Statistisk Sentralbyra (SSB), the state-funded research agency. Defense exports in 2007 were 18 percent higher than in 2006 and accounted for 3.5 percent of the world's total arms export in that year, SSB said.

On a per-capita basis, the 2007 figures rank Norway as the seventh-largest weapon exporter, SSB said. Some 75 percent of Norway's military sales in 2007 were to NATO-aligned countries, with the United States ranking as Norway's biggest customer. Major Norwegian exporters included Nammo, Kongsberg and Simrad.

Norway's jump in military exports is largely connected to U.S. subcontract work secured by Norwegian defense companies; 43 percent of Norway's total military exports, valued at $188 million, went to the United States in 2007. These included tank weapon systems, missiles, battlefield surveillance electronic systems, rockets, armored fighting vehicles, torpedoes and mines.

The SSB figures are based on customs declarations on defense exports. More than half of Norway's munitions exports comprised military weapons and parts for weapons. The total export value of this commodity group amounted to $240 million in 2007, an increase in monetary terms of $32 million, or 16 percent higher, than in 2006.

Other major Norwegian export customers in 2007 included Finland, Germany, Poland and Sweden. Norwegian exports to non-NATO countries have fallen by about 37 percent since 2002. Recipients include Australia, Thailand and Kuwait, with export values in 2007 of $18 million, $2 million and $1 million, respectively.

Source: G. O'Dwyer - Defense News

To find out how your company can successfully compete for European defence and aerospace procurement opportunities, contact Jeffrey Strategic.