On April 16, the United States and the Kingdom of Norway concluded the recently negotiated Supplementary Defense Cooperation Agreement (SDCA).

  • The United States and Norway are founding members of NATO and have enjoyed more than seventy years of close and strategic defense relations both bilaterally and through NATO.  Recently, this cooperation has included rotations of U.S. Marines to Norway for cold-weather training and a myriad of other bilateral and Allied joint training activities involving the U.S. Armed Forces.
  • The SDCA enhances and modernizes our deep bilateral security cooperation.  The Agreement supplements the provisions of the 1951 NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and establishes a framework to advance our capabilities, in support of the NATO Alliance’s collective defense.
  • The SDCA outlines the legal status of U.S. forces in Norway and provides the necessary authorities for U.S. forces to access specific Norwegian facilities and conduct activities for our mutual defense.  The SDCA also reduces the administrative and bureaucratic burden for both Parties when implementing planned activities that may take place at agreed facilities and areas within the territory of Norway.  The United States and Norway’s already extensive coordination and consultation on defense cooperation matters will be strengthened and streamlined by the SDCA.
  • The SDCA includes four initial key locations as focal points for increased cooperation with Norway:  Evenes Air Station, Ramsund Naval Station, Rygge Air Station, and Sola Air Station.  Evenes and Ramsund are of great importance to the ability of Norway and Allies to facilitate training, exercises, and other activities supporting maritime logistics and maritime patrol aircraft.  Rygge and Sola are similarly important for the facilitation of enhanced aviation cooperation between Norway, the United States, and other NATO Allies.

For further information, please contact the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs at PM-CPA@state.gov, and follow the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs on Twitter, @StateDeptPM.

U.S. Department of State

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