In the middle of the January, the Nordic Division was established at the Norwegian Joint Air Operation Centre (JAOC) in Bodø.
The division is led by Colonel Carl-Fredrik Edström from Sweden and consists of 13 officers from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.
The division’s task is to lead the development and operationalization of the Nordic Airpower Concept (NAPC), which aims to achieve the ability to operate as one force in full-scale joint air operations with day-zero readiness.
Col C-F Edström:
“We have a very exciting and important task ahead of us. The security situation and expectations mean that we need to move quickly from start in this work. We have already begun exploring joint Nordic activities that will contribute to establishing a shared virtual environment for data exchange, shared briefings and coordinated planning.”
The division will partially work together in Bodø and otherwise operate remotely from their respective air force headquarters.
Brigadier Tron Strand, head of the NOR JAOC:
“The Nordic Division represents a significant milestone in Nordic cooperation within the air domain. I am very pleased that the Nordic Division have had their first meeting in Bodø, and established an offensive roadmap to drive Nordic integration and cooperation forward at a significant pace.”
Nordic Airpower Concept (NAPC)
The Nordic air force commanders have developed a joint concept for deepened cooperation between the countries’ air forces. The concept is built on four pillars: joint planning and command of air operations, coordinated development and use of Nordic air bases, enhanced joint situational awareness, and joint education, training, and exercises.
The concept will strengthen the combined capability for air operations and create the conditions for an effective and seamless transition to collective defense within the framework of NATO.
