Norway proposes Bodø as location for new NATO air operations centre

Earlier this year, NATO accepted Norway's offer to establish a regional combined air operations centre (CAOC) in Norway. NATO currently has two combined air operations centres, one in Uedem, Germany and the other in Torrejón, Spain. The regional air operations centres plan, direct, task, control, coordinate, supervise and support air operations of allocated assets in peace, crisis and conflict.

Two locations in Norway were assessed: Rygge Air Force Base and Reitan outside Bodø in North Norway. The Government has now decided to put forward Reitan as the permanent location for the new regional CAOC.

‘Norway’s most important strategic interests lie in the High North. It therefore makes sense for the new Allied air operations centre to be located in the north. The new centre will be situated close to the Norwegian Joint Headquarters, making the Bodø area a hub for the command and control of military operations in our region,‘ said Mr Støre.

Starting up operations this year

The new CAOC is due to begin performing tasks for NATO later this year.

During its first few years of operation, the centre will be temporarily located at the Bodø Air Base, while renovations to the facility in Reitan are carried out.

‘The establishment of this CAOC will ensure a more robust, unified defence of our region,’ said Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.