| Chief of Defence | |
|---|---|
| Forsvarssjefen | |
&sq=Envato&lang=en&file=File:Coat_of_arms_of_the_Norwegian_Chief_of_Defence.svg) Coat of arms for the Chief of Defence | |
&sq=Envato&lang=en&file=File:Flag_of_the_Norwegian_Chief_of_Defence.svg) Standard for the Chief of Defence | |
&sq=Envato&lang=en&file=File:General_Eirik_Kristoffersen,_Chief_of_Defense_of_the_Armed_Forces_of_Norway,_at_the_Pentagon_on_8_April_2024_(cropped).jpg) | |
| Ministry of Defence | |
| Reports to | Minister of Defence |
| Appointer | The Prime Minister with approval from The Council of State |
| Formation | 18 May 1940 |
| First holder | Otto Ruge |
The Chief of Defence (Forsvarssjefen) is the highest-ranking officer of the Norwegian Armed Forces, second only to the King of Norway. Even though he holds the same rank as the King of Norway, according to the Norwegian Constitution the King holds the highest command of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Home Guard.
The Chief of Defence is the top advisor to the Government regarding military issues. He is responsible for carrying out the mission the King or Minister of Defence gives to the Military. He is also Norway's representative to NATO's military committee.[1]
The post was first established in 1940,[2][3] and is currently held by General Eirik Kristoffersen.[4]
- ^ Overview of the Chief of Defence of Norway position and a listing of holders (in Norwegian) Archived 2009-09-15 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Derry, T.K. (1972). A History of Modern Norway: 1814—1972. Clarendon Press, Oxford. ISBN 978-0-19-822503-4.
- ^ Kersaudy, François (1987). Norway 1940. St. Martin's Press, New York. ISBN 0-312-06427-6.
- ^ "Generalmajor Eirik Kristoffersen ny forsvarssjef". 12 May 2020.