DISINFO: Norway refused to deploy NATO missile defence elements since Russia is not a threat
SUMMARY
In Norway, they ceased to notice the Russian threat. Norway refused to deploy NATO missile defence elements on its territory. It turns out that Russia is not a threat.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative, portraying NATO as a threat to peace and NATO threatening Russia. It also claimed that Norway has changed its view on the military situation in the region. Norwegian defence chief Haakon Bruun-Hanssen believes that Russia would want to blockade Norway in the event of a conflict, meaning Norway must be able to defend itself and keep access open for NATO reinforcements. Norway's government also announced an increase of 2020 defence budget by $218 million, however, this budget does not include participation in NATO's missile defence system. This does not mean that Norway ceased to notice the Russian threat. As a founding member, Norway has been a long-standing supporter of NATO’s policy of developing a joint missile defence system but opposes merging the system with the wider-ranging US missile defence system. Thus, the new budget says: "As the result of a broad review of political and security factors, the government has decided that Norway will not consider acquiring sensors or defence missiles which can participate in NATO's missile defence system." Norway is on track to achieve NATO's goal of member nations spending 2% of their gross domestic products on defence by 2024.