This year, the theme was “Building European and Norwegian Land Power - Shaping Tomorrow's Defence". The conference focused on how Norway and its European allies can strengthen land power at a time when Europe is taking on greater responsibility for its own security.
“A more European NATO: What does it Mean for Land Forces?”
The opening session, chaired by Secretary General of The Norwegian Atlantic Committee, Kate Hansen Bundt, particularly discussed what a changing transatlantic security landscape and a greater European role within NATO mean for Norway and allied forces. Are we up to speed regarding rearmament, and how do we respond to outside threats? The panel included a political, academic and military perspectives.
- Tore O. Sandvik, Norwegian Minister of Defence
- Major General Lars S. Lervik, Chief of the Norwegian Army
- Vice Admiral (Ret.) Louise K. Dedichen, former Norwegian Military Representative to NATO
- Professor Øystein Tunsjø, Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies
Panel mentioned in VG (Norwegian)
Panel mentioned in Aftenposten (Norwegian)
Awards and Equipment Display
The conference also included the presentations of the Norwegian Army's award for respect, responsibility, courage and innovation. Outside the venue, the participants could also interact with the equipment display.
“European Perspectives on Land Power”
In the afternoon, the conference turned to “European Perspectives on Land Power”, with contributions from the British, the French, and the German Army. Editor-in-Chief at Altinget.no, Veslemøy H. Østrem, chaired the discussion. The panel discussed, among other topics, lessons learned from Ukraine, how land forces will need to develop in the years ahead, and also how they cooperate.
- Major General Lars S. Lervik, Chief of the Norwegian Army
- General Sir Roly Walker, Chief of the General Staff, British Army
- Major General Jared Sembritzki, Commander, Rapid Forces Division, German Army
- Major General François Beaucournu, Deputy Chief of Staff for Air-Land Operations, French Army Staff
We would like to thank all speakers, participants and partners who contributed to Army Summit 2026!
