RAMSTEIN, Germany – Representatives from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden met in Bodø, Aug. 25 to 28, to advance the Nordic Airpower Concept.
Nearly 100 participants gathered in Bodø, Norway and at NATO’s newest Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC), working in specialist and cross-functional groups to share experience, discuss challenges and identify opportunities for closer cooperation.
With Finland and Sweden now members of NATO, the conditions for even closer Nordic defence cooperation are better than ever.
Participants spent the three days of professional discussions focused on strengthening the coherence and integration of Nordic Airpower.
The talks focused on how the five Nordic countries can develop more coherent and effective Airpower by drawing on their combined capabilities, expertise and experience. The Nordic Airpower Concept provides the framework for that cooperation, helping establish a common direction for how their national Air Forces can operate more closely together. 
Swedish Brigadier General Jörgen Axelsson briefs Nordic participants at the Combined Air Operations Centre Bodø, Norway, Aug. 25 to 28, as part staff talks on Nordic defence cooperation. The event strengthened professional relationships among the Nordic Airpower communities, supporting greater cooperation and shared understanding. Photo courtesy of the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
“Nordic Air Forces staff talks are an important forum for professional military dialogue between the Nordic countries,” said Norwegian Major General Tron Strand, commander of CAOC Bodø. “With Finland and Sweden now members of NATO, the conditions for even closer Nordic defence cooperation are better than ever.
“As the Nordic countries develop their ability to operate more closely together, this not only strengthens Nordic defence capabilities – it also contributes to strengthening NATO as an alliance,” the general added.
The event also strengthened professional relationships among the Nordic Airpower communities, supporting greater cooperation and shared understanding.
“The three days helped strengthen both professional cooperation and the network between the Nordic air power communities – and contributed to taking the Nordic Air Power Concept one step further,” said Swedish Brigadier General Jörgen Axelsson, deputy commander of CAOC Bodø.
Closer Nordic Airpower integration strengthens cohesion among the five NATO Allies, supporting readiness and the Alliance’s ability to operate cohesively. Continued cooperation, professional dialogue and refinement of shared approaches contribute to NATO’s defensive posture, deterrence and collective defence across the region.