A parliamentary committee has urgently summoned Norway's justice minister over delayed military takeover of rescue helicopter services. The Control and Constitutional Committee sent a unanimous letter demanding answers about why the government continues considering civilian operation of the Tromsø rescue base.
Committee chair Per-Willy Amundsen stated the government has failed to follow through on a 2021 parliamentary decision. That decision mandated transferring the temporary civilian rescue base to military control. The committee wants explanations for both the continued civilian operation consideration and the delayed military transition.
Time pressure mounts as Norway's option to purchase six additional AW101 helicopters expires at year's end. These aircraft, popularly called SAR Queens, currently serve six of Norway's seven rescue bases. The country operates sixteen such helicopters with contractual rights to buy six more at current pricing.
Amundsen emphasized the urgency. "We don't have much time left," he said. "There's little over a month until the deadline expires. If we purchase helicopters after this point, they'll cost over twice as much. We need to quickly find a solution."
The committee requested responses by November 27. Amundsen, representing Troms in parliament, stressed the helicopters serve dual purposes. They would both militarize the Tromsø base and supplement helicopter fleets at other Norwegian rescue stations.
Had the government acted sooner, Amundsen noted, Norway wouldn't face this time pressure. Helicopters purchased after January 1 would become substantially more expensive. The committee raises this issue to help the government address the pressing matter.
Justice Minister Astri Aas Hansen oversees both military and civilian rescue bases in Norway. The Justice and Emergency Preparedness Department hasn't yet commented on the committee's inquiry.
Amundsen expects clear answers from the department. He reminded that rescue services exist to save lives at sea and on land. The AW101 helicopters offer exceptional capabilities with extremely long range—the longest worldwide. This enables reaching Svalbard from Tromsø, a capability unavailable from private operators.
Currently, CHC Helikopter Service operates the Tromsø base under contract until 2028, with possible four-year extension options. Amundsen clarified he finds no fault with the civilian operator's performance. However, he believes military helicopters possess necessary characteristics for Tromsø operations.
"We need these helicopters to maintain our sovereignty on Svalbard," Amundsen explained. "Both there and nationwide, we must ensure long operational range out to sea. That's why we depend on 330 Squadron and the Air Force operating the Tromsø rescue base."
This situation reflects broader tensions in Norwegian rescue service organization. The 2021 parliamentary decision clearly favored military control, yet implementation stalls. The cost implications of missing the helicopter purchase deadline could significantly impact Norway's rescue budget. With Arctic operations becoming increasingly important for sovereignty and safety, these helicopter capabilities take on added significance beyond immediate rescue needs.