The Defence Section is geared to provide military advice not only to the Ambassador and other UK sources, but also to Norwegians who may have such queries.

Military Training in Norway by British Forces
Every winter (January to March) British Forces are privileged to be able to train and exercise in the harsh Norwegian climate. Competence at conducting military operations in a cold climate is developed and practiced, including survival, skiing and military tactics. Operational commitments mean that deployments to Norway for military training are carried out on a 2 yearly cycle: one year up to about 3,000 troops (mainly Royal Marines), followed the next by a considerably fewer number. The UK is of course well aware of the potential benefits to regional Norwegian economies of the influx of large numbers of troops to certain areas. Further military training is carried out on an irregular basis by UK forces at other times of the year too, which might typically include port visits by up to 20 Royal Navy ships and supporting vessels.

Adventure Training
Up to 1000 British Service men and women undertake challenging adventure training expeditions every year including cross-country and downhill skiing, bobsleigh, climbing, white-water rafting, trekking and more. The Defence Section ensures that all requisite permission and clearances for these ventures are obtained.

Training Courses
In conjunction with the Norwegian Embassy in London, the Defence Section facilitates attendance on a variety of military courses for Norwegian military personnel in the UK, and vice versa. This is a sure way of improving expertise and enhancing mutual understanding either on an individual basis or for groups.

Defence Sales
Norway and the UK enjoy an extremely close military relationship, and have done for years. In addition to both being members of NATO, other bilateral links ensure that mutual confidence is borne out of common doctrine, recognised professional competence and regular bilateral training. The focus of the Embassy's Defence Section work in Norway is wide-ranging and not always predictable! The principal areas of concern are:

Military Advice
The encouragement of sales by British Defence sales companies to the Norwegian MOD is as important to the British Embassy as it is for the Norwegian Embassy in London. It is our job to introduce representatives from these companies to appropriate Norwegian contacts, arranging meetings if necessary. It is not our job to get directly involved with potential sales contacts.

Ceremonial and Veterans' Events
With such close historical ties between the UK and Norway, especially during the Second World War, there are many enduring connections with which the Defence Section is linked. These include dealings with Veterans organisations and associations including more contemporary ones (eg UN/NATO Veterans' Association), and attendance at a number of memorial events and ceremonies. The Section also endeavours, when possible, to represent the UK at similar ceremonies of other nations represented in Norway.