Thousands of building owners, ships, properties, and vehicles were set to receive a letter from the Norwegian military on Monday, informing them that their assets could be requisitioned in case of war, AFP reports.
„Requisitions are intended to enable the Armed Forces, in a wartime situation, to have access to resources necessary for the defense of the country,” the military announced in a statement.
In 2026, approximately 13,500 "preparatory" requisitions are to be issued.
These will have no practical consequences in peacetime and are aimed at informing owners that their property may be used, if necessary, in the event of a conflict, by the armed forces, as stated in the communication.
This state's request is valid for "only" one year. Thus, approximately two-thirds of the letters sent in 2026 replace those sent in previous years.
"The importance of being prepared for crises and war has increased significantly in recent years. Norway is in the most serious security situation since World War II. Our society must be prepared to face security crises, and in the worst case, war. We have started a massive consolidation of military and civilian preparedness," emphasizes Major General Anders Jernberg, head of the Armed Forces Logistics Organization (FLO).
These letters sent to property owners "enhance preparedness and reduce uncertainty about the allocation of resources in times of crisis or war," he specifies.
Norway - a country bordering Russia, presented as "the eyes and ears of NATO in the High North" - has, like the rest of Europe, strengthened its defense.
It has both a maritime border and a 198-kilometer land border with Russia.