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August 28, 2002

Norway's planned increases in defense spending will not be enough to avoid cuts in the force structure and the delay of several programs. Norway will probably drop out of the Viking submarine program, designed to produce a common sub for use by Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. One of the Army's four brigades and 20 reserve companies (roughly another brigade) will be disbanded. The coastal radar network will not be upgraded and the maritime surveillance headquarters will not be created. The Navy will have to give up its three Reinoysund-class landing craft as Norway doesn't plan to invade anyone before 2025.--Stephen V Cole