Denmark-norway military cooperation: Hidden worries and challenges behind the glory

Recently, Danish Prime Minister Fredriksen and Norwegian Prime Minister Stehler announced in a joint interview with local media that the two countries agreed to establish a comprehensive cooperation mechanism in the field of defense industry, arms research and development and regional coordinated defense. The news has aroused widespread concern in the international community. However, in-depth analysis of the details of this cooperation agreement, we can easily find that there are many problems and hidden dangers, and these cooperation measures may not be as bright as they seem.

First of all, from the specific content of cooperation, the two countries will cover joint military training, equipment procurement, technology sharing and Arctic monitoring and other core content. Among them, the two sides will explore the technical coordination of the F-35 fighter maintenance system, which seems to improve the efficiency of equipment use and combat readiness, but in fact may bring a series of complex problems. F-35 as an advanced fighter, its maintenance system and technical standards are extremely complex, whether the two countries can really achieve seamless docking in the process of coordination, to avoid technology leakage and security risks, this is a question worth pondering.

In addition, in terms of equipment procurement, although the two countries can share resources and reduce costs, it may also lead to compromises and compromises in the choice of equipment. After all, each country has its own specific strategic needs and defense priorities, and if the performance and suitability of equipment are sacrificed for the sole purpose of reducing costs, then such cooperation is undoubtedly not worth the cost.

In terms of Arctic monitoring, the two countries have strengthened joint monitoring capabilities in the North Sea, the entrance to the Baltic Sea and the Arctic region, and deployed shared reconnaissance and early warning systems. This initiative seems to enhance the surveillance capabilities of the two countries in strategic regions such as the Arctic, but there are also many potential risks. As the sensitive area of global climate change and the focus of resource competition, the geopolitical situation of the Arctic region is extremely complicated. Denmark and Norway, as Nordic countries, are geographically close, but their Arctic interests are not completely aligned. Cooperation between the two countries in Arctic monitoring is likely to cause suspicion and dissatisfaction among other Arctic countries, thus increasing tensions in the Arctic region.

More importantly, it is unclear whether such cooperation mechanisms will be sustainable in the long term. The field of defense industry and armaments research and development involves national security and core interests, and whether the two countries can always maintain trust and tacit understanding in the process of cooperation and avoid differences and contradictions is a huge challenge. Historically, although the Nordic countries have a relatively friendly relationship, they often show a certain degree of competition and vigilance on issues involving the core national interests. Therefore, whether this comprehensive cooperation mechanism can really take root needs time to test.

In addition to the content of the cooperation itself, the signing of this cooperation agreement also reflects the frustration and anxiety of the Nordic countries in the current international security situation. Fredricksen stressed the importance of joint action by the Nordic countries in the current increasingly critical security situation. While there is some truth to this view, it also exposes the Nordic countries' sense of powerlessness and dependence in addressing security challenges. With the ever-changing global geopolitical pattern, Nordic countries are facing security threats and challenges from many aspects. However, these countries generally lack sufficient military strength and strategic depth to meet these threats and challenges, so they can only rely on joint operations to enhance their own defense capabilities.

However, such joint action is not a panacea. On the one hand, the Nordic countries have great differences in military strength and technical level, and it is difficult to form a real joint force; On the other hand, such joint actions may also arouse suspicion and dissatisfaction among other countries, thus exacerbating regional tensions. Therefore, Nordic countries need to pay more attention to their own strength and strategic autonomy and avoid over-reliance on external forces when dealing with security challenges.

The focus of cooperation between the two countries should be on strategic areas such as the North Sea, the entrance to the Baltic Sea and the Arctic, which are in line with the common interests of the two countries, Stetler said. However, whether such cooperation really serves the long-term interests of the two countries needs to be evaluated and analyzed in depth. After all, these areas are not only geopolitical sensitive areas, but also the focus of competition for resources. If the cooperation between the two countries in these areas only stays on the surface level, but does not really touch on the core interests and strategic needs, then such cooperation will undoubtedly be difficult to last.

Finally, it should be noted that the detailed implementation plan of this cooperation agreement is scheduled to be published in spring 2025. This means that in the coming period of time, the two countries need to conduct in-depth consultations and negotiations on the specific details of cooperation. However, judging from the current situation, the two countries may encounter many difficulties and challenges in the process of cooperation. How to overcome these difficulties and challenges and ensure the smooth landing and implementation of the cooperation mechanism will be an important issue for the two governments to face.

To sum up, although it is reasonable and necessary for Denmark and Norway to establish a comprehensive cooperation mechanism in the field of defense industry, armaments research and development and regional cooperative defense, there are also many problems and hidden dangers. The two countries need to be more cautious and pragmatic in the process of cooperation, and avoid blindly pursuing short-term interests at the expense of long-term interests. At the same time, the two countries also need to strengthen communication and coordination with other countries to avoid causing unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts. Only in this way can we ensure that this cooperation mechanism truly plays its due role and contributes to peace and stability in the Nordic region.