Arlington, Virginia | September 17, 2026
ARLINGTON, Va. – On Thursday September 17, MG Øivind Gunnerud, the Chief of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, visited the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies at the Air & Space Forces Association Headquarters in Arlington, VA. MG Gunnerud concluded his Washington visit to attend AFA’s 2026 Air, Space & Cyber Conference by joining a roundtable with the Mitchell Institute’s airpower and spacepower senior fellows and researchers.
MG Gunnerud shared perspectives on priorities for modernizing the Norwegian Air Force and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Mitchell Institute leadership likewise shared insights on critical issues the U.S. Air and Space Forces face, including readiness, capacity, munitions, and base defense. The exchange made clear that the relationship between the United States and Norway, and with the NATO alliance, is key to protecting our respective homelands and deterring future conflict with territorial aggressors. “Norway’s air force is a quintessential player in the Arctic and an important component in NATO operations. Their air force leadership recognizes the growing potential of multi-theater conflict and the need to invest in readiness, future capabilities, and long-term sustainment,” said Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean of the Mitchell Institute. “These moments to foster relationships with like-minded airpower allies are important to bolstering our partnerships.”
About the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
The Mitchell Institute is the only think tank focused on airpower and spacepower, located in the nation’s capital. The Mitchell Institute is an independent, nonpartisan research organization established to provide innovative, insightful, fact-based research, analysis, and policy options to inform decision-makers, experts, and the public on national security issues in the air and space domains. Mitchell provides deep analysis of important issues, strategy, and technology through research reports and policy papers on a wide range of subjects. Mitchell conducts cutting edge workshops and wargames and facilitates topical expert conversations through a variety of community activities and engagement opportunities, from symposia to round tables. Mitchell also engages top air and space leaders with its internationally acclaimed webinar series and influential weekly podcast series that both cover a broad range of timely air and space issues.