Norway Prepares Resources for War. This May Be Requisitioned

The first notifications were sent on January 19. They concern owners of vehicles, machinery, boats, and real estate in Norway. This is a planning measure. A requisition notice has no effect during peacetime.

The Norwegian Armed Forces are planning about 13,500 potential requisitions in 2026. These are intended to ensure access to key resources in the event of war. Information will be sent to several thousand resource owners. This concerns vehicles, buildings, and smaller vessels.

A prepared requisition means the resource is identified in advance. The owner is informed that it may be used by the military. The requisition is valid for one year and can be extended for another period.

The Norwegian Armed Forces emphasize that requisitioning has no practical effect during peacetime. It can only be activated in the event of war. Alternatively, a decision by the King in Council is required. The legal basis is the Act of June 29, 1951.

About two-thirds of the potential requisitions for 2026 are a continuation of the notification system from previous years. The system is intended to enable defense planning using civilian resources. The goal is to reduce uncertainty in a crisis situation. These actions are part of the concept of so-called total defense in Norway.

The Norwegian army is developing the system in cooperation with other total defense entities. Coordination takes place, among others, with regional and local authorities. The National Resource Database, managed by the military, is used. Owners subject to requisitioning can obtain additional information online or by contacting the armed forces directly.