Welcome to NORDEFCO/NORDCAPS
A more comprehensive Nordic defence cooperation
A new MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed by the Nordic defence ministers on the 4 of November 2009 establishing the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO). This MoU comes into effect on the 4 of December 2009. The new MoU is the platform for a restructuring of the Nordic Defence Cooperation, the cooperation will no longer be divided into three separate pillars and consequently NORDSUP, NORDAC and NORDCAPS will be terminated and the practical work will be reorganized under the new comprehensive structure.
Agreements and arrangements within NORDCAPS, NORDAC and NORDSUP will initially all be included in NORDEFCO until reviewed by the New Nordic Military Coordination Committee (NORDEF MCC) in spring 2010.
The work conducted in the NORDCAPS PLE as well as within the different Working Groups and Projects under the NORDCAPS framework is to be passed on to the new structure. The practical work will continue without interruption.
Operational Engagements
NORDCAPS will engage in Peace Support Operations (PSO) on a case-by-case basis. Each question concerning a potential operational engagement will be subject to separate decisions. NORDCAPS is a Nordic arrangement with no permanent command structures or standing forces. As part of the Nordic cooperation under EU Sweden is Framework Nation for the Nordic Battle Group 2011 (NBG11)
Training and Courses
NORDCAPS cooperation also includes conduct of courses, education, competence development, training and exercises for Nordic personnel. The NORDCAPS courses are also open to non-Nordic students. Conducting courses includes exchange of Nordic students and instructors in accordance with an agreed course catalogue.
Regional Capacity Building
NORDCAPS export of courses, education, competence development, training and exercises – in areas such as Security Sector Reform (SSR), regional capacity development (building) and other areas of military support. Examples of current and planned Nordic activities within these areas are support to the Western Balkans and the recent African Capacity Building (ACB).