Norway, France Sign Defence Pact

The Narvik Agreement was signed in Paris on May 27, 2026 | Photo: Christian Liewig/Office of the Prime Minister of Norway

Norway and France have signed a bilateral defence agreement that includes a mutual defence clause and expands cooperation on military operations, security, defence industry and nuclear deterrence discussions in Europe.

The agreement, known as the Narvik Agreement, was signed in Paris by Norwegian Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik and French Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans Catherine Vautrin. The agreement follows similar defence arrangements Norway signed with the United Kingdom and Germany over the past year.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the agreement comes amid growing security concerns in Europe linked to Russia’s actions and wider geopolitical competition.

“We are contending with the most serious security situation since the Second World War. The Government is pursuing a hedging strategy aimed at reinforcing the foundation that underpins Norwegian security. Membership of NATO is essential to our national security. The US is Norway’s most important Ally, and we are now also forging stronger ties with the European Allies that are most important in terms of safeguarding our security. In the past six months, we have entered into defence agreements with both Germany and the UK, and I am pleased that we have signed a comprehensive defence agreement with France today,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The agreement includes a provision under which Norway and France commit to assist each other, including through military support, if required. It also covers cooperation on hybrid threats, maritime security, cybersecurity, space activities, support to Ukraine and defence industrial collaboration.

“The Narvik Agreement will bring new momentum to our cooperation. The agreement contains a provision on mutual defence: our two countries commit to come to each other’s aid – including with military assistance – should the need arise. Besides the UK, France is the European Ally that sails most extensively in the north. The agreement reinforces our cooperation through concrete structures, plans, exercises and prepositioning of equipment, and will enable us to mount a swift and coordinated response when it is really needed,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norwegian Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik said the agreement forms part of Norway’s broader security policy.

“The Narvik Agreement is an important part of our hedging strategy. It will be a useful tool for safeguarding Norwegian defence and security interests at a time when Europe is having to strengthen its defence capabilities in order to increase its strategic autonomy,” said Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.

Norway also announced it will join a French-led initiative on nuclear deterrence discussions involving several European countries. The initiative follows a proposal made earlier this year by French President Emmanuel Macron.

“Together with some of our closest partners and Allies, Norway will be discussing in more detail how France’s nuclear weapons can further enhance European security and deterrence. At this point in history, it is both right and necessary that Europe takes greater responsibility for its own security. For many years, French nuclear weapons were exclusively linked to France’s own security. France is now opening up a dialogue with its close Allies on how its nuclear weapons can contribute to European security and provide a deterrent against military threats. We will hold further talks with France on how the nuclear initiative can help to achieve this,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

According to the Norwegian government, the discussions will not change Norway’s existing nuclear weapons policy.

“There are to be no nuclear weapons on Norwegian soil in peacetime. We will also give priority to promoting arms control and non-proliferation. Closer cooperation with France in Europe and within the NATO framework could reduce the risk of other countries being tempted to develop their own nuclear weapons,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The Norwegian government said the Narvik Agreement complements NATO’s Article 5 collective defence commitments and strengthens Norway’s ties with major European military powers. The agreement is named after the Battle of Narvik during the Second World War, when Norwegian and French forces fought together in northern Norway.