Norwegian CHOD: New NATO Air Operations Centre Should be Located in Northern Norway
A new NATO Combined Air Operations Centre is to be created in Norway. Now the Norwegian Chief of Defense, General Eirik Kristoffersen, has contributed input to the decision on the specific location. (Photo: Torbjørn Kjosvold/the Norwegian Armed Forces)
Reitan outside Bodø, Northern Norway, is the best suited location for NATO's third Combined Air Operations Centre, believes the Norwegian Chief of Defense Eirik Kristoffersen. He emphasizes i.a. the ability to lead operations from the north. This is revealed in a document that NRK claims to have been given insight into.
In February, Norway was given the green light from NATO to establish a new regional Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC). The existing CAOCs are located in Uedem, Germany and Torrejón, Spain.
This third centre will be responsible to plan, direct, task, coordinate, supervise and support air operations primarily in the Nordic region and the High North. It will also maintain a broader geographical overview.
Regarding the specific location of the centre, the main alternatives are Reitan outside of Bodø, Northern Norway and in Rygge in Moss, Southeastern Norway.
Reitan is preferred by Norway's Chief of Defense, General Eirik Kristoffersen, reports the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) on Wednesday after gaining insight into a classified document.
Kristoffersen's recommendation is dated March 6th, 2025. The decision will ultimately be made by the Norwegian government.
The Chief of Defenses's words
NRK quotes the following from the document:
"The Chief of Defense considers both Rygge and Reitan to be good locations for NATO CAOC in Norway as both meet NATO requirements in a good way. Both locations offers various opportunities for the Norwegian Armed Forces that can be given different weightings. Therefore, the recommendation keeps both locations open."
Furthermore, CHOD Kristoffersen concludes the following:
"I emphasize the ability to lead operations from the North and a gathering of power around Bodø as a region for leadership of our own and allied forces. The establishment of CAOC also ensures the upgrade of the Norwegian Joint Headquarters. After a total assessment, I recommend that NATO CAOC is established in Reitan, Bodø."
The mountain complex in Reitan currently houses the Norwegian Joint Headquarters (NJHQ); the Norwegian Joint Air Operations Centre (JAOC); the Chief of the Norwegian Air Force, including a staff element; as well as personnel in the Norwegian Cyber Defense and the Norwegian Defense Estates Agency.
The facility is located on Tverlandet in Bodø municipality, about a 25-minute drive from the Bodø Air Base (which may be revitalized) and the city center.
