Military-Industrial Cooperation

The article begins with the observation that arms production is today characterized by increasing multinationalization and export orientation. The case of Norway as a small arms producing country is then investigated with regard to the military-industrial schemes of cooperation with West Germany. The bilateral production arrangements - be it mere compensation or more advance forms of co production or joint development - are linked to the pattern of general economic interaction and in dustry-and-energy cooperation between the two countries. It is pointed out that Norwegian arms in dustries have come to export an increasing share of their total military production, even if military production as share of overall production has gone up and down. It is argued that political initiatives are crucial in establishing the framework for bilateral cooperation, due to the strong element of pro tectionism in the international armaments market. Even with strong political support, however, Norwegian arms production is a business with inherent risks. The export orientation of these indus tries, West Germany's long established role as a partner, and the bargaining power inherent in the Norwegian energy resources, lead to the conclusion that West Germany will be an important partner for Norway also in the future.