ABSTRACT
The surface, depths and skies of the Norwegian Sea, the shallow seas to its east and south and the Arctic waters to its north are a factor in military planning, since they constitute an important manoeuvre area enfolding NATO’s Northern Region: Denmark, Iceland, Norway and their island territories. The magnitude, the context and the consequences of the growth of Soviet power to the north and east of what has been called ‘Europe’s quiet comer’ have been described by Norwegian officials. West Germany also observed the growth of Soviet power in the Kola and responded with increased emphasis on the defence of the Northern Region. The United States joined its European allies in responding to the situation created by the development of the Soviet Navy, and in particular the Northern Fleet, into a formidable blue-water force. NATO has a healthy, long-established political consultation process which maintains oversight and ultimately control of Alliance military strategy and operations.
