An address and discussion with
Adm. Haakon Bruun-Hanssen
Chief of Defense
Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Norway

Moderated by
Barry Pavel
Vice President and Director
Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security
Atlantic Council
 

Militaries on both sides of the Atlantic must adapt to face the security challenges of the twenty-first century in the midst of declining defense budgets, the ongoing threat of terrorism, and emerging economic and security issues in the Arctic.

Admiral Haakon Bruun-Hanssen, chief of defense of the Norwegian Armed Forces, will discuss how Norway is modernizing its military to confront the challenges of a new security landscape in an age of austerity. Policymakers in both the United States and Europe could learn valuable lessons from Norway on issues ranging from developing a constructive relationship with Russia to modernizing forces in the midst of defense budget cuts. Norwegian forces are centering their modernization efforts to prepare for contingencies in Europe's larger neighborhood, in addition to fulfilling Norway's current commitments in Afghanistan. To prepare for these coming scenarios, Norway's adoption of the F-35, among other advanced defense systems, signals Norway's forward-leaning role in the Alliance in facing emerging challenges.

Admiral Bruun-Hanssen has been chief of defense of Norway's Armed Forces since 2013. Previously, from 2011 to 2013, he served as the commander of Norwegian Joint Headquarters. Before that, Bruun-Hanssen was the chief of the Royal Norwegian Navy from 2008 to 2011.