Afinal não é só cá que os navios recolhem à base por falta de dinheiro :
Budget Deficit Causes Concern
(Source: Norwegian Armed Forces; issued Aug. 25, 2004)
A budget deficit of NOK 244 million has led to severe cutbacks throughout the Norwegian Defence this week. Chief of Defence General Sigurd Frisvold states that the cutbacks will not affect ongoing operations or national security.
The multi-million kroner deficit occurred as a result of the restructuring the Norwegian Defence has undergone the last year. The solution to the problem has been for the Norwegian Navy and Air Force to cover the largest portion of the deficits by cutting back costs.
The Norwegian Navy will cover the greatest portion of the deficit, NOK 137 million, by putting the bulk of the Norwegian navy to port. The cutback will, however, not affect the ongoing NATO-contributions or the Norwegian Coastguard, thus leaving national interests well protected.
“The situation has to be resolved in this fiscal year, and on this year’s budget, so that we are finished with the problem once and for all,” said Chief of Defence Sigurd Frisvold.
General Frisvold also stressed that the Norwegian Defence has been aware, and in control, of the situation throughout the year. “Adjusting the level of activity within a safe framework is the only responsible way to deal with this type of problem,” he said.
Nevertheless the decision to send the fleet to port has caused controversy within Norway.
Satellites in use
The Norwegian Defence’s National Command North has put commercial satellites to use in order to facilitate its task of monitoring ocean and borders in Northern Norway.
The task of monitoring the vast Norwegian interest-zone off the Norwegian coast has therefore been greatly facilitated. In the past, the monitoring of these areas was solely covered by coastal installations, Coast Guard vessels and aircrafts.
Since the Norwegian Defence does not operate its own satellites, a contract was signed with the Norwegian Kongsberg group, and the images used are purchased from a Canadian satellite.
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