It appears that it is primarily munitions, not arms that are being produced. See below
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Database of Small Arms Production and Transfers Path: Europe : North Europe : Norway : Industry and Products |
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Norwegian Small Arms Industry & Products Norwegian defense industry is niche-based, with high competence and advanced production capacities in communication, control and information systems; in missile technologies; and in high explosives. Norwegian arms production is concentrated on licensed production of major weapons systems components for the Norwegian armed forces. In 1992, 10,000 people were employed in Norway in the arms industries. Since January 1996, Norwegian arms exporters have been required to report on actual exports of defense materiel previously authorized by licenses. 32 companies reported exports of defense materiel or related services in 1999. Small arms manufacture in Norway is minor, and Norway is currently not a producer of military-style small arms. Raufoss produces small arms caliber ammunition, primarily for the Norwegian army, rather than for export. Historically, Kongsberg has been the principal manufacturer of military-style small arms under license from foreign military firms. In a phone interview in May 1999, the information director of Kongsberg said that all small arms industry from Kongsberg was transferred to Bandak A.S. The information director at Bandak A.S said that Norway stopped producing small arms--even under license--in the late 1980s. The following tables reflect past manufacture, rather than current. Raufoss Technology Kongsberg Defense Source: Jane's publications (Light Weapons, Small Arms and Landmines: An Identification Manual, 1997) |
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And the per capita basis for the claim is meaningless as Norway has a population of approx. 4.5 million. There are FReepers that reload that could give Norway a run for the money. ;>)
Yes, but they make a lot of high-end weapon systems too: f ex the kongsberg penguin antiship missile (carried by american seahawk helicopters) and the new NSM (antiship cruise missile)...