This week a cargo ship loaded with Norwegian Base Camp material is leaving Oslo, en route to Mali. The two complete sets of Base Camp material on board – more than 200 containers – will be used by the Swedish Armed Forces in their participation in the United Nations mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

The agreement between Norway and Sweden entails the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) leasing two sets of Base Came Material from the Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation (NDLO), while the Norwegian Armed Forces will also assist the Swedish Armed Forces in the setting up of their camp. It is a practical example of the advantages that Nordic countries see in closer integration. In this case Sweden solves an urgent operational need, at a lower cost than would otherwise have been expected; Norway can ensure the upkeep of a capability at a higher volume than would otherwise have been possible; and both countries help facilitate Nordic armaments cooperation  based on actual – and sometimes urgent – needs.

NORDEFCO Cooperation Area Armaments (COPA ARMA) is treating this agreement as a pilot-case in it’s work at establishing a full-blown Nordic Pool of Base Camp Material. This pool would take the form of a common Technical Agreement that will enable all four nations to draw from the pool at times of need.