Den afghanske modellen og dens relevans for det norske Forsvaret

Abstract

The focus of this thesis is the operational concept known as the Afghan model and its relevance to the Norwegian Armed Forces. The thesis is divided in to two main parts. The first part gives a thorough explanation of how and why the model was developed, the models strengths and weaknesses, and the criteria that led to success in the first phase of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001. The second part analyzes whether the Norwegian Armed Forced could contribute in an Afghan model operation in the future. Do we have the capabilities required for the model and would the peace-nation Norway be willing to provide forces to such an operation? The Afghan model is an operational concept that was developed after September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The US took advantage of a small group of local rebels mainly from the Northern Alliance in the fight against Taliban. The indigenous force was supported by U.S special forces and massive U.S airpower. The Taliban army was defeated in just a few weeks. The battle of Tora Bora showed that indigenous forces cannot always substitute own ground forces. Furthermore the model may not be suitable to stabilize situations on the ground. The Norwegian Armed Forces have developed the military capabilities (F-16 and SOF) needed to take part in an Afghan model-operation. However du to limited national military resources Norway can only contribute to an Afghan model operation under an allied framework. Finally the thesis also suggests that Norwegian politicians could be willing to provide combat aircraft and SOF in an Afghan model-operation as long as the operation has a UN mandate, a humanitarian cause and is NATO- or US led.