Forsvarsevne

Forsvarsevne, or defense capability, is the ability of a state or organization to prevent, deter, and respond to armed threats and serious disruptions while maintaining essential security functions. It covers both military power and the resilience of society to shocks or attacks.

The concept includes military forces (army, navy, air force, and specialized units), readiness and mobilization capacity, equipment quality and modernization, logistics, intelligence and command-and-control, as well as civilian defense measures such as protection of critical infrastructure, civil protection, emergency preparedness, and cyber defense. It also involves the ability to adapt to new forms of threat and to operate in international coalitions.

Assessment of forsvarsevne uses indicators such as deterrence capability, ability to sustain operations under pressure, protection of civilians, and resilience of essential services. Metrics often include manpower and training levels, equipment readiness, budget and funding stability, interoperability with allies, and the capacity to mobilize reserves. Regular exercises, war games, and contingency planning inform evaluations and policy choices.

Factors influencing forsvarsevne include the strategic environment, political priorities, and defense doctrine; defense spending and defense industry capacity; technological development; alliance commitments and international cooperation; geography and population size; and the broader resilience of society, including civil infrastructure and emergency management.

In Norway, forsvarsevne is closely tied to NATO membership and national defense policy. It encompasses the Norwegian Armed Forces (army, navy, air force), the Home Guard (Heimevernet), and cyber defense, with a focus on deterrence, rapid response, modernisation, and integration between military and civilian authorities to protect sovereignty and critical functions.